March 01, 2003
I keep coming across mention of how important it is for dads to read with their kids. Since I read to Owen every day, I never gave this much thought except to wonder why the big push for dads in particular.
At early childhood class on Friday, Kiara found out why: studies indicate that by the time boys are in third grade, they get the idea that reading is a girl thing and resist doing it. Encouraging fathers to read with their kids is an effort to counteract this trend.
Kiara, bless her heart, did not mention just how compulsive a reader I am. I'll grab anything in sight, especially at breakfast: cereal boxes, of course, but it might just as easily be magazine subscription cards or terms of service for her brother's cell phone. She caught me at the breakfast table the other day reading the inside of a roll of masking tape. Hey, there was nothing else within reach! I can imagine the discussion:
Teacher: …so it's important for fathers to read.
Woman: Even if it's a fishing magazine? That's about all he reads.
Teacher: Yes, even that's good.
Kiara: Masking tape rolls?
Teacher: Er, say again?
Kiara: Because my husband won't read anything unless it's from 3M.
