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Taken for Granted

I know my title probably has some of you ready to hear me rant and rave about how I need to be appreciated for all the work I do...well at least not today. (Ryan breathes a sigh of relief.)

This post is about reading - just plain old reading words, like you are doing now.

Logan has started reading over the past couple of months. I am overjoyed by it, so proud of him I want him to show everyone his new skill. I am writing about this because I do not hear people talk about their child learning to read. Am I missing something? Is my appreciation so much more because of Ben's situation? Do people just not talk about it because it is considered bragging? I wish someone would help me out here.


Learning to read was not on my radar as something to be excited about. Of course, everyone asks about rolling over, sitting up, first steps and first words. But never did anyone warn me that hearing my child read an entire book would make me burst with pride.

Logan reads signs when we are driving, words around the house, spells out answers and requests my presence by spelling my name. He's reading our bedtime stories. When I say lights out, he asks for a few minutes to read.

Logan can't understand the enormity of it all. He is proud of himself, but he does not understand what it means to be able to read. Right now, it is a practical skill for him helping him to see the world around him with a different view.

The days of spelling something sensitive or secret are over, but I can live with that. I am excited that he will be able to read books that will build his already well developed imagination and creativity.

So if your child is learning to read, celebrate! It is not something to take lightly. Let them know about the treasure chest they have opened. To me, accomplishing all the things that kids do, in such a short period of time, is truly amazing.

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