You can avoid the summer slide by helping your little one blossom into a reader this summer. Here are five tips to inspire your child’s love of reading. After all, children who love reading live happier ever after!

Keep books with you
According to author Emilie Buchwald, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Find a few spare pockets of time during the day to read your child a book. Having books handy in your car, throughout your home, or in your bag will remind you to make time for reading.

Turn It Off!
Slash TV time! Encourage reading as another form of entertainment. Invest in a bookmark with a timer so that your child can keep track of how many minutes are spent reading each day.

Make Your Child the Star of the Story!
Every child loves being the star of his or her own storybook. Personalized books from www.iseeme.com feature the child’s name throughout the story. Having your kids play a role in the books they read will make them feel special.

Read In Front of Your Child!
Children love to emulate their parents. Make sure your child sees you reading the newspaper, books, magazines, etc. When your child sees you reading, he or she is sure to want to be just like mommy or daddy.

Take a Trip!
Visit your local library once a week. Young children love going on field trips and it is fun to spend time selecting new books. It’s also a great way to beat summer heat—and it’s free! Also, many libraries have free summer reading programs available to kids of all ages.

For more inspiration for developing a love of reading in your child, visit I See Me!’s Pinterest Board, Inspire a Love of Reading, at: http://pinterest.com/iseemebooks/inspire-a-love-of-reading/.

The post Five Ways to Grow Your Child’s Love of Reading This Summer appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Check out AKA Mom’s top baby & maternity gift picks for the holidays!

Dirty Binky? No Stress! Give the gift of peace of mind this year with BinkySpritz. All-natural, non-toxic and kid safe.

www.binkyspritz.com

Personalized 3 Sprouts Storage Bins
One-of-a-kind baby & children’s gifts, curated from the finest brands in the world and personalized by you.

Use code: AKAFREESHIP thru 12/31/12 at MAKABOO.COM

The TADY TOTE transforms… from bag to HUGE infant play mat, instantly!  The removable PLUSH teddy bear blanket is perfect to SNUGGLE up with!

www.tadytote.com

Boiron USA’s Camilia is a safe, natural solution for painful gums and irritability caused by teething.

Find info at www.camiliateething.com

Perfect stocking stuffer! Moms can give the gift of style! 

Sweet Pea Serum softens and defines curls.  Created for babies and beyond, our moisture-rich formula smooths and offers soft definition without leaving hair sticky, greasy, or stiff.

www.hottot.com

Frecklebox – Personalized gifts for kids!

Frecklebox personalized canvas gallery wraps features modern designs in vibrant inks on canvas.

www.frecklebox.com

“My Turtle and Me” and Twilight Turtle™ – The perfect bedtime bundle!

Give your kids a starry night in their own bedrooms with a full-size Twilight Turtle (available in 3 different colors) to keep them company while you read them the story.

www.cloudb.com

Promo Code for a Free Carseat Canopy!

While supplies last, get the Carseat Canopy of your choice (Reg. $49.95) FREE when you use promo code “AKA12” at CarseatCanopy.com

Personalized Hand Stamped Jewelry & Gifts

Custom stamped jewelry and gifts for anyone and any occasion. Now offering personalized rings for just under $30. The perfect gift!

CharmiesOnline.com

Keep-it-Kleen –THE SMART PACIFIER

Personalized Penguin (imprinted with your choice of text) closes when it drops! Made in the USA. 

www.myrazbaby.com

Animals bring letters for their favorite things to spell a child’s own perfect name in this personalized book!

Save 15% code AKA15.

www.bkeepsakes.com

The post Hot Holiday Baby & Maternity Gifts! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.