Sharing picture books can be a lot of fun – but don’t worry if your child gets distracted, chews the book or wanders off… that’s perfectly normal! Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time in your busy day, either – just a few minutes can make a huge difference. Remember:

Snuggle with your child

Help your child turn pages and point to pictures

Ask your chid questions about the book

Respond to your child’s questions

Enjoy this special bonding, brain-building time together.

Tips for enjoying your reading time:

• Ask your child to choose what they’d like to read. They’ll feel more interested in the story if they’ve picked it out themselves. (And don’t worry if they keep returning to the same story, either!)

• If you can, turn off the TV, radio and computer. It’s easier for both of you to enjoy the story without any other distractions.

• Sit close together. You could encourage your child to hold the book themselves and turn the pages.

• Take a look at the pictures. You don’t just have to read the words on the page. Maybe there’s something funny in the pictures that you can giggle about together, or perhaps your child enjoys guessing what will happen next.

• Ask questions and talk about the book. Picture books can be a great way to talk through your child’s fears and worries, or to help them deal with their emotions. Give them space to talk, and ask how they feel about the situations in the story.

• Have fun! There’s no right or wrong way to share a story – as long as you and your child are having fun. Don’t be afraid to act out situations or use funny voices… your little ones will love it!