| Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, you child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute. To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. A Pocket for Corduroy was one of her picks. Since the story is well summarized here at this site.com, I would like to focus on why the story is an important one to share. First, Lisa is shown as being not such a young child. Yet she carries her teddy bear, Corduroy, with her openly. No one comments on that, shames her about it, or acts as though she is doing anything strange. Children draw great comfort from familiar objects, teddy bears, blankets, and other stuffed toys. This book endorses that connection, overcoming the stalled thinking that children must quickly become little adults. Second, Lisa helps her Mother do the laundry as her primary focus. That shows a connectedness to her Mother and the family that is very encouraging for a child. She can make a contribution although she is a child. Third, Lisa makes every attempt to be responsible about Corduroy. She tells Corduroy to wait in a chair and not to move. She tries to find Corduroy before leaving the laundromat, and gets her Mother to agree to come back again the next day to find him. Although she is sad, she overcomes her reluctance to be separated and leaves. This suggests that she can and should trust that everything will turn out all right. This reinforces an optimism that is good for children to develop. Fourth, all of the adults act in responsible ways. Lisa's Mother brings her back. The artist who finds Corduroy in his laundry bag dries his clothes for him and leaves him where he can easily be found the next day. The man who works in the laundry helps Lisa and her Mother find Corduroy the next day. This encourages the idea that everyone can and will help one another. This is a good role model for children as they imagine what they should be like as adults. Fifth, the whole misadventure relates to Corduroy feeling bereft because he does not have a pocket. So Lisa sews one for him, caring for him in a nurturing way even though he is only a teddy bear. Caring about others is a great way to feel better about oneself. As you can see, the book is filled with optimistic, caring, considerate human values expressed through the story. You can reinforce this by discussing with your child how s/he might care for a favorite stuffed animal or blanket during an upcoming trip. This can help reduce the anxiety caused by concerns about the changes, and assist your child in being careful so the loved connection is not lost. You and your child will feel affirmed and closer after you read and review this story together. Overcome your stalled thinking about providing affirmations to your child with this book! | 
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