I’m going to say what we are all thinking...
Playing Barbies with your kid is about as fun as getting a root canal. (This is a judgement free zone, right?)
Because I know I am not the “let’s play dolls” kind of mom, and my children are constantly correcting my doll-playing abilities, I’ve leaned on reading to create the same meaningful interactions with my children. In fact, I’d be willing to say that reading together is even more entertaining for everyone involved.
Here’s why:
No More Pretending
Don’t get me wrong, I love Barbie dolls! I just don’t love PLAYING Barbies. Instead, I find so much more joy witnessing my children's imagination come to life as they picture the characters and settings in their mind. To make reading together even more engaging, I will often have my children draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, which always results in a fun show-and-tell.
Igniting the Imagination
Reading also allows you to travel through time and space together. You can visit far-off lands, meet fascinating characters, and learn about different cultures and time periods. It's a much more enriching experience than sitting in your living room, pretending to have tea with a piece of plastic. (There is always a time and place for tea parties, of course.)
No More Weird Conversations
Let's face it, the conversations you have with (and about) Barbies can get weird. But with reading, you get to have real discussions about the story, the characters, and the themes. It's a great way to bond with your child and encourage their imagination to take them to amazing places.
No More Mindless Play
Playing Barbies can feel like a mindless activity that doesn't really engage your brain (for either party involved). But with reading, you get to exercise your imagination, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Plus, it's a great way to introduce your child to new words and concepts.
The next time your child asks you to play Barbies (or anything you aren’t into), suggest reading a book together instead. Not only will it be a more enjoyable experience for both of you, but it's also a great way to bond and learn together.
And who knows, you might just discover a new favorite book!
Believe in the magic of reading.
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