Do you guys know how important it is to read to your kids? I just learned. We have read to our kids every single night since the day they were born, and tonight I found out part what it did for them, as it really "clicked" at a Meet the Author night. Not only does it give a sense of safety with parents, a bonding action that makes them comfortable and happy to be around you, but it also gives them words to express their emotions. My kids were able to tell me that they were stressed over something I hadn't even thought of, that it felt like if they made a mistake I would be upset, and that they needed hugs and assurance that I wouldn't be mad that they didn't do it "perfectly". (Spilled perler beads on the floor.) They had the words to tell me about an emotional issue that most people can't talk about until they're well into teenage or adult years, and they were comfortable enough to bring it up as "Mommy, I'm really stressed and embarrassed, and I want to talk through why I feel these big feelings." All of these things they learned from books we read every single night. Reading is important. Reading is incredible, and needed. Please, please read to your babies. Read to your children. Read to your teenagers. Book lovers start by being shown a love of books. Book lovers also have better emotional regulation. Book lovers have a better sense of safety with their families. Thank you @TNABCMAN for being such an incredible part of my kids' lives, and thank you for talking to people about how important it is to read. I appreciate you <3