Toddler Won't Follow a Story
Q: My son is 2 years and 4 months old. When I try to read with him, he sits on my lap and grabs the book away. He will not let me turn the pages, so I cannot continue reading the story. He will continue to flip through the book while I start reading a different one. Then he does the same thing with that book. Any suggestions? I can't seem to get his attention to follow a story even though he loves his books.
A: Choose a storybook and read to him while you firmly have your hands and fingers holding the pages. If he is comfortable, have him snuggle next to you on the couch. Then you can both share the pictures together with the book more in your control. Don't read exactly what is in the book. Describe the pictures, the scenes, the animals, the characters. Change your voice tones. Make the descriptions interesting! When you finish the book, close it and tell him appreciatively "We finished the whole book. Good for you!" Then ask him which book he wants next.
One of the important tasks of parenting is to encourage early language learning and a love of books. As you help your child see how precious a book is, how gently we treat a book, how amazing each story is, more and more he will absorb your admiration, your picture-book sharing experiences with him, and a cherishing feeling toward books.
Go to the local library and choose books that have pictures your son enjoys, such as cars, horses, barnyard scenes, etc. Do not let him turn the pages unless your fingers are right in the next page so that he turns exactly to the next page. Then praise him for turning the page so carefully. You are the gatekeeper of book reading. Create ways to make this a loving, friendly, learning experience that your child really enjoys and begs for daily!
Alice Sterling Honig, PhD, a professor emerita of child development at Syracuse University, is the author of many books on infants and toddlers, including Behavior Guidance for Infants and Toddlers and, with H. Brophy, Talking With Your Baby: Family as the First School
