Cathy in the Wright

Mi Parants Neva Red Books To Mee An I Turnd Out Jus Fine

I've been trying to post, but The Governor's been bringing me books all morning. And using his good manners.

Mom, can you please read me this book?

When I've got other work to do, I can ignore pleas to get down on the floor and play with trucks. I can waive off a request to build towers with blocks. I can openly scoff at the invitation to watch a video together. But when he comes at me with a book, well, the guilt floodgates swing wide open.

Is there a parent who hasn't been lectured, warned, schooled, and drilled that reading to your child is probably the most important thing you can do for your growing sprout? I'm sure there's a study somewhere that says if it's a choice between eating vegetables and reading to your kid, go with the book. After all, how important is robust health if your son only has a vocabulary of 25 words because YOU DIDN'T READ TO HIM! Don't miss a single opportunity to read to your child! Neurons will atrophy! Grey matter will slosh around in his skull unexpanded! I don't care if you've read "Nemo Goes to Fish School" nine hundred times already! One more time could mean the difference between gas station attendant and high political office!

So how did I manage to sneak away and post? I did what any good parent would do. I hid "Nemo" under the couch and told him he could go play in his brother's room. The forbidden land.

And what was I going to post about today? I can't remember. I'm sure complaining about my aching joints after yesterday's soccer double-header was on the list somewhere. Time to...aw Jeez. Here's The Governor with another book. Dr. Suess - "If I Ran the Zoo." Too much rhyme, especially before noon.

Sigh.

If he doesn't end up to be president...somebody's going to pay.

Posted by Cathy at October 4, 2004 09:59 AM