*This post may contain press samples, all views are my own.
Our little ones love reading, well, they love being read too. Cameo is just learning his letters and words, we’re hoping he’ll start reading within the next few months as he is coming along incredibly well. It can be difficult at times to keep his attention. His attention span is short-lived and sometimes we need a little hook to keep him engaged. When it comes to reading, one of our best so-called hooks is personalised books!
A recent survey conducted by In The Book, only 18% of parents read to their baby or toddler for 20 minutes a day. This is despite this being directly linked with improved academic and social skills. But I don’t want anyone feeling guilty! This isn’t about guilt, this is about how to help. Life can be so incredibly busy and to a pre-schooler, 20 minutes can feel like a lifetime!
We aim to read before bed, every day without fail. Even if it means we skip a few pages, or if the boys aren’t actually listening, we still do it. EVERY night. But like I said before, if you’re really struggling to get your little ones to pay attention, personalised books are a massive help.
We’re currently reading two great personalised books from In The Book. Cameo’s is the Personalised Arty Mouse Numbers Activity Book. It’s a hardback book with Cameo’s name on the front and throughout all the pages you’ll find your chosen name on little sections. So you might find the name on a pencil, a leaf or a butterfly. This is actually an activity book so it’s great to keep Cameo engages as he can practice writing, numbers and a host of other things. All the while, we’re reading each page to him. This is a great pre-school book and a fab gift too.
The book we have for Marlo is the First Steps Alphabet Personalised Board Book. There are hand-drawn illustrations on each page to help your little one learn their letters. It also has your chosen personalised name on the front and throughout the book, just like Cameo’s book above.
What’s so lovely is that when they recognise their name, they think the book really is for THEM. That adds a magical touch, something they own and want to read. It’s amazing how these small things make a difference. I’d also say they can make lovely keepsakes, but to be honest, the way our favourite books get read hundreds of times, I doubt it. However, these personalised books will make lovely, memorable and meaning gifts at any time of the year.
