*Guest Post* The importance of the written word (plus *giveaway*)

*Contest Closed!  Rebecca R. - you are the winner (thanks to Mr. Random picking comment #3)!  Email me at mountainmamatales@gmail.com to claim your prize!*

We are so pleased to welcome Stephanie back again to the blog.  In case you missed it, she is the owner of Backcountry Baby (a local Jackson shop that is one of my very favorites for families) and guest posted previously here about traveling with babies. *Make sure you read all the way to the end for a pretty exciting giveaway (if you are a book lover like us, anyway!)*

We started reading to E as soon as he was born.  As educators and avid readers, we never thought it could be too early to expose our child to the written word.  Early and often is my mantra about a lot of things involving parenting (vegetables, time outside, bedtime routines) and books fall into this category.

As an educator, parent and now shop owner I get a lot of questions about which books, when and how often. I try to reassure parents that they really can't do it wrong (as long as you're actually opening books) but I thought I'd mention a few points that my education background may actually have helped with.

1. Fewer, higher quality books (same as toys): You don't need 200 books.  Just a few books that you change around every few weeks. Babies and Toddlers love repetition so try not to sigh when your little one chooses Brown Bear for the ten millionth time.  They are learning how to understand the story and they look forward to the routine of understanding what's next. You'll be grateful when this helps with learning to read.

2.  Demonstrate.  Show your kids that you read, don't save it for only when you are in bed.  Read books, magazines and newspapers in front of your babies and toddlers, even if it's just for a few minutes. Show them you are actually interested in reading for yourself, not just for them.

3.  Don't stress.  Toddlers will all go through phases where reading isn't that interesting, but don't despair. Continue to provide new reading material, set good examples and ask them to join you.

4. Read with your babies and toddlers often.  Not just at bedtime but try and read books during different times throughout the day.  Books shouldn't just be about winding down, try and make them part of the day and fun!

With that, I'd like to offer one reader a chance to win a book buggee.  A great way to integrate books into your everyday play. High quality wood toy that doubles as book storage, you can't really go wrong.

Lastly, I'd like to leave you with our favorite titles of the past 2 weeks. I'd love to hear some suggestions for other favorites!

The Little Engine that Could - truly a classic!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
LMNOPeas
Flotsam

To be entered in the giveaway for a book buggee:

Required: Leave a comment with your favorite children's book

For additional entries - for a total of 6 entries - (leave a comment each time saying you did one of these!)

 - Follow Backcountry Baby on Twitter

 - "Like" Backcountry Baby on Facebook

- Follow Tales of a Mountain Mama on twitter

- "Like" Backcountry Baby on Facebook

- Follow Tales of a Mountain Mama via Google Friend Connect (on right sidebar)

*Winner will be chosen randomly after January 25th and emailed to claim their prize*