Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tucson, AZ

Were you those parents that read to your child in utero?  We were.  We didn't do it all the time, but sometimes hubby would feel the need to bond with our unborn baby.  While I was pregnant, I took care of a friend's baby three times a week.  I felt like every song and story I read to him, my own baby was hearing.  Amazingly, the baby's favorite calming songs are also J's favorite songs. 

On our first night home with baby J, I found hubby reading to him a book that he had picked out just after we got the positive test, "What Daddy's Do Best."  I was bawling.  Ever since we have tried to read just before bed.  We cuddle up in a rocking chair, couch or floor and pick a couple of soothing books.

Lately, soothing means reassuring them that mommy and daddy love them, that we will be here in the morning, and that we will always love them, even if it has been a rough day.  Toddlers and Preschoolers are always curious about what happens when they sleep.  Does the whole world change?  Will things be different tomorrow?  Will I wake up to mommy and daddy?

Some of our favorites are:

What Mommies do Best What Daddies do Best -- The flip version of this book has Mommy on one side, flip the book over and upside down and find the same stories about Daddy on the other.  Both can read, sew buttons on bears, bake birthday cakes, and love their children very very much.

Daddy Kisses is a board book about the different animal daddies and how they kiss their young.  The boys love for their dad to reenact the different pages, ending with "and my daddy kisses me all over."

Mama Do you Love Me? tells the story of a girl testing the limits of her mama.  No matter what she can think of, her mama will love her forever and for always.

When the kids are feeling particularly nervous about going to sleep we get out The Kissing Hand.  Chester Raccoon does not want to leave his mom to go to school so she gives him a very special kiss in his hand.  After reading the story, I give the boys each their own kissing hand.

No matter what or how many books you read to your kids at night, make sure you are creating a relaxing and comforting environment for falling asleep.