Q: My son is sleepy at bedtime. Is reading in the morning best?

Skills

Reading to your son is important, but it doesn’t necessarily have to happen at bedtime. Some children find reading calming, which is why it is often part of children’s bedtime routines. But sitting still for long periods of time, particularly when children are tired, can be difficult for children at this age. As your son gets older, his attention span and ability to focus will improve. The most important thing to keep in mind is to emphasize making reading fun. When my son had difficulty sitting through his bedtime story, I encouraged him to turn the book pages. This action kept him actively engaged and focused on the book. But if your son prefers to read in the morning, try making it part of your morning routine instead. Spending a few minutes each morning reading a book together is a great way to start the day!
Jennie Ito, Ph.D.

Child Development Expert

Jennie Ito is a mother of two and a child development consultant who specializes in children’s play and toys. Before becoming a consultant for LeapFrog, she was an intern at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC, and later worked as a content expert for the Association of Children’s Museum’s “Playing for Keeps” Play Initiative. Jennie earned her doctorate degree in developmental psychology at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.