| A common advice given to a parent by counselors is | | | | thus inculcating the importance of food intake and also |
| to read to your child from a keen age. Reading is | | | | dental hygiene. Another virtue that can be ticked off |
| synonymous with bonding. As you speak to your child | | | | here is honesty (as Johnny initially says, " No Papa") |
| in your mother tongue, make sure to read to the child | | | | You will be surprised, that with a gentle reminder of the |
| in the English language. The universal language helps | | | | same story, there will be no tantrums experienced |
| the child to build his knowledge and vocabulary. Fables | | | | while brushing the teeth twice a day! |
| on animals, adventures entailing ghosts, dragons and | | | | It is termed that boys love adventure and trekking kind |
| volcanoes are much exciting for a child. Narration is | | | | of macho storylines and girls love candies and fairies. |
| truly an art, but do not get dismayed if you do not | | | | But keep the bed time story general. Before narration |
| possess ultra oratory skills. For a child, parents are their | | | | make sure you have no pending chores to attend or |
| world. Hence any story from your end is sweet | | | | else drifting 'elsewhere' will make you child |
| sounding to them. | | | | disinterested. A little preparation is a must. If not, then |
| Creative individuals can partake in building stories about | | | | stick to reading stories. For children who are yet to |
| simple things in life. Making up a story about a family | | | | speak, it is a good idea to show them picture stories |
| and what chores each individual does, registers value | | | | and later encourage them to point out the characters. |
| in the child. If you include that your helper and driver are | | | | Please be enthusiastic about the big eyed surprises, |
| essential peripherals than run your home, the child | | | | animation and occasional squeals. |
| masters the quality of respecting people and their | | | | In case your child is apprehensive of the witch or the |
| work. English literature has exclusive books catering to | | | | green dragon emitting fire, is scary, then do not shut |
| children's story. Bed time stories are special. If your | | | | the book but explain to them about 'Good and Bad' |
| child is below one year, you could go on to narrate a | | | | things. They like to see their hero master over the |
| simple nursery rhyme. For e.g. Johnny Johnny - Yes | | | | demons. Do include teaching qualities and a little about |
| Papa, though clichéd can be fabricated into a | | | | mythology for dramatic narrations. Let them |
| nice story about a child who ate too much sugar and | | | | understand the moral of the story and the healing |
| spoilt his teeth. So much so, he had visit the dentist, | | | | power of prayer before sleep. |