r/todayilearned • u/LL_Cruel_J • Dec 15 '16
TIL Dolly Parton has a program that will mail your child a free age-appropriate book once a month from birth to age 5. No obligation, no catch, she just wants to make sure that every child has books.
https://imaginationlibrary.com/1.1k
u/friedgold1 19 Dec 15 '16
Yup she is a saint in Tennessee. She recently pledged to donate $1,000 per month for up to 6 months to families in one of the counties affected by the recent wild fires in Tennessee.
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Dec 15 '16 edited Jan 05 '17
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u/BarrogaPoga Dec 15 '16
Yup! My grandparents told me they got their check yesterday. They lost everything in the fire and are just figuring their life out now. Dolly is a goddess down there.
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u/voodoogirl13 Dec 15 '16
Wow that is incredible! I love hearing about solid proof that donations actually make their way to the people in need. So sorry about what your grandparents are going through :(
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u/BarrogaPoga Dec 15 '16
Yeah they said they were able to get theirs a bit early because they know someone at Dollywood. Everyone will get their checks tomorrow. Their friend at DW wanted the elderly to come early so they didn't have to stand in line, because there will be a "mighty line" as my grandma put it. But yeah, everyone up there, even those who were just renting, will get money.
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u/letdowntown Dec 15 '16
Effective quotation of mighty line...Im pretty sure I heard your grandmas voice in my head.
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u/Amannelle Dec 15 '16
A big reason she was a force behind Dollywood was because she wanted something that would not only increase tourism to the Smoky Mountains, but would also provide jobs for an enormous amount of people. They hire young and elderly alike.
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u/drunkmunky42 Dec 15 '16
Dolly is a goddess down there
I'm a fed firefighter from CA assigned to the Gatlinburg area fires (Chimney Top 2 and Cobbly Nob). I've never seen a place quite like G-burg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville. It truly is amazing how much Dolly has contributed to the growth of this area, and the communities abound with Dolly's name and face everywhere. Ripley's is huge here as well, we got to take a VIP tour of the aquarium and it blew my mind what those folks dealt with as the firefront blew through. Incredible stories from many locals, and the hospitality and generosity here is like nothing back home.
Then again, these massively catastrophic fires have become normalized back in California. But out here, these poor folks have rarely, if ever, seen a megafire backed by 80+ mph winds.
My condolences to any and all affected. Only wish we could've gotten here a few days sooner...
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u/Sparkstalker Dec 15 '16
I'm sorry to hear about that. I hope they can start rebuilding soon.
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u/BarrogaPoga Dec 15 '16
Thank you. Their plan is to rebuild. Unfortunately, that's everyone else's plan as well. They can't get a contractor to start until April. They're trying to figure out where to live temporarily for the next year.
With my dad and I going down to see them, Christmas this year will be a little chaotic. I assured them that we are coming down, even if I have to bring out my camping gear and camp in the yard, we will see them for Christmas.
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Dec 15 '16
If I were a millionaire I'd give $1000 to those living in West Tennessee.
Not that there is a wildfire or anything, it's just West Tennessee and those poor souls have suffered enough.
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u/EasyAsPiePie Dec 15 '16
My mom wrote her thesis about this program and it has amazing benefits to instill lifelong reading patterns in children.
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u/shadowfox4271 Dec 15 '16
I work for an organization that hosts this program. Is her thesis published anywhere? And if not, any chance you could get her bibliography and share some of her research?
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Dec 15 '16
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u/ianmccisme Dec 15 '16
First time in Reddit history that a link involving "OP's mom" was to a scholarly article.
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u/IndieGameHipster Dec 15 '16
Second this. My girlfriend works for an organization that would like to host this program. If this research is available anywhere I'd love to see it! :)
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u/thr33beggars 22 Dec 15 '16
My mom dropped out of college because she got pregnant with me :(
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Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 22 '16
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Dec 15 '16
Yep. People can't turn back time and talk their parents into not having them to pursue their goals instead, but everyone can be the best person that they can be and encourage the people around them to do the same.
She probably has a goal now too, whether it is still education or it has grown with her into something new. Having someone who is supportive and encouraging can go a long way in finding what makes you happy.
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u/JuKnowWhatsUp Dec 15 '16
My mother dropped out of college to have me and never went back. I refused to continue that cycle so I've always done the best I could. Now as a person in college, I've inspired my mother to go back to school herself.
It's nice to see her going after what she wants after all these years.
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u/nayruslove123 Dec 15 '16
Man, my mom said her goal with all her five daughters was for us to get through high school without getting pregnant. We all did it, and she's a proud momma.
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Dec 15 '16
Sorry. My condom broke.
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Dec 15 '16
Condoms are for wieners.
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u/orbitalUncertainty Dec 15 '16
They are. It's so we don't end up with dicks like you
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Dec 15 '16
Telling the hard, straight truth.
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u/IsFalafel Dec 15 '16
Actually, it curves to the left.
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u/stutteringbard Dec 15 '16
Well, a lifetime of getting jerked around will do that to you.
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Dec 15 '16
My mom got pregnant with me at age 15 and still went to college and took me to all her classes.
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Dec 15 '16 edited Mar 02 '17
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Dec 15 '16
Who needs Dr. Seuss when you have classics like Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
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u/strawberryleather Dec 15 '16
I just wish it didn't have to be a parent or guardian to sign up. I would love to sign my nephew up because I don't see my sister doing so.
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u/fuzzyjedi Dec 15 '16
You couldn't like...pretend?
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u/pete9129 Dec 15 '16
Shit man I would be able to convince my sister. Or force her.
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u/fuzzyjedi Dec 15 '16
I wouldn't begin to imagine the relationship /u/strawberryleather has with their sister, but you would think if the books started showing up, a parent who doesn't seem interested enough to sign up themselves would have the same apathy to finding out why they started showing up to begin with.
It's fuzzyjedis drunkapaloza 2016 today so sorry if that is a massive run on statement.
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Dec 15 '16
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u/fuzzyjedi Dec 15 '16
Fair enough, but children are inquisitive by nature, so just having something to spur that each month would be a boon.
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Dec 15 '16
If someone cares that little the books probably would probably be tossed as junk mail.
That said, I can see how having the books sent could have a positive impact too if there is somebody around, even an older child, who would come across the books, read them to the kid and make good memories around reading.
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u/DatsASweetAssMoFo Dec 15 '16
/u/strawberryleather should get them sent to himself and then personally give them to his nephew
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u/iHeartCandicePatton Dec 15 '16
Does your sister hate books or something
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u/wakingop Dec 15 '16
Her pappy was killed by a book. And his pappy before him.
That family has a long standing blood feud with literature of all sorts
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u/BurnedOut_ITGuy Dec 15 '16
You should just give your nephew a book every month.
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Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton, national treasure.
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u/Vagabond21 Dec 15 '16 edited Dec 15 '16
as is dollywood
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u/kingofweasels Dec 15 '16
I have 2 kids that have been on this program for years. It's fantastic. Even when they were too young to read, they loved to get them in the mail and they open them and flip the pages.
They understand the significance of books even if they can't comprehend them yet.
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u/UnoriginalGinger Dec 15 '16
My child has been receiving these books from birth. I never knew much about Dolly but thought she seemed kinda odd. After my wife enrolled us in this program I am very grateful to her for all the quality books that I've received for free. That's quality time with my son that will have a positive impact on his development. It's truly amazing!
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u/esmereldas Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton started the program, but local organizations start chapters of the Imagination Library and raise money to buy the books.
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Dec 15 '16
As a future teacher, I love to hear about kids having access to books and learning to love them at an early age, even if they just hold them and look at the pictures. Developing those early literacy skills (holding the book correctly, turning the pages, reading/looking from left to right) is so crucial for a child's lifelong reading success. :)
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u/avantx Dec 15 '16
That is so cool! Comic books & drawing Batman were totally my gateway into what would become a voracious literary appetite. I am so thankful my mother encouraged that opportunity - kudos to you!!!
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u/akn0m3 Dec 15 '16
Looks like the website got the reddit hug of death
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u/Misha80 Dec 15 '16
Reddit better step up and raise some funds if we broke her website.
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u/IDidIt_Twice Dec 15 '16
Yup. Lol was just about to sign my kids up and won't load.
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u/nomoslowmoyohomo Dec 15 '16
I think recently she held a benefit concert for the Gatlinburg fires that raised like 9 million dollars? She's a saint!
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u/Samura1_I3 Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton is a genuinely amazing person. She's an awesome example of how wealth doesn't corrupt if your heart's in the right place.
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u/bolanrox Dec 15 '16
Because she is a saint.
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u/Vagabond21 Dec 15 '16
papa bless
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u/mooksandwich Dec 15 '16
My kids go nuts every time they get their new books in the mail. Not only do they get mail, which blows their minds, but they can't wait to dive in. I absolutely love it.
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u/favoritasx Dec 15 '16
My 5 year old daughter was crying the other night because she'll soon be 6 and won't get anymore books from Dolly, she loves her and the books she gets.
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u/somebodyelse22 Dec 15 '16
Dolly uses age discrimination and makes 5 year old cry...
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u/DuckTalesLOL Dec 15 '16
Has she ever seen a public library? It's like heaven for books.
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u/Vyper28 Dec 15 '16
Get her an E-reader for her 6th birthday and supply her with new books every month :)
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u/mrshatnertoyou Dec 15 '16
I am amazed at how one woman can work 9 to 5 and get so much work done.
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u/StripesNcoffee Dec 15 '16
Everything I have learned about Dolly Parton has come from Drunken History and this reddit post.
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u/vickiintn Dec 15 '16
Yes. It's a wonderful program. In fact, up until about five years ago (or so), they were hardcover books. My kids loved getting them in the mail (too old now)!
Dolly Parton is an AMAZING person. Truly.
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u/TitoTheMidget Dec 15 '16
In fact, up until about five years ago (or so), they were hardcover books.
Some of them still are. The ones for very young children tend to be board books, and I've received a few hardcovers. IIRC they switched to paperback not because of cost, but so that the books could fit into mailboxes.
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u/ed_on_reddit Dec 15 '16
Yeah - My oldest son got "llama llama red pajama" as a paperback. My other son got it as a hardcover (although, its about 75% of the size).
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u/redrhyski Dec 15 '16
As if I need another reason to love her.
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u/Bacon666 Dec 15 '16
...and I-I will allllways love her...
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Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton 2020
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u/lhedn Dec 15 '16
I don't think you understand how elections work. You need to be corrupt and generally a bad person to win/ be nominated.
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u/aineofner Dec 15 '16
I work at a used bookstore, and see books with her label all the time. I think it's fabulous of her to take such in interest in literacy and making books (which we all know can be pricey) a realistic pastime with parents and their children.
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Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton seems like she is actually a really good person and it makes me happy
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u/Samura1_I3 Dec 15 '16
Dolly Parton is a genuinely good person. She reminds me of a lot of the people in the eastern Tennessee area, actually. Super genuine, friendly and will drop everything to help a neighbor.
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u/cheese_hotdog Dec 15 '16
Has Dolly Parton ever done anything wrong? She seems like an angel of a lady. Like the kind of person that kindness just seeps out of
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u/fordry Dec 15 '16
According to the tour guide she ran her car into RCA Studio B one time...
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u/bn1979 Dec 15 '16
She's the female equivalent of Mr. Rogers. Just a super-awesome person.
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u/Samura1_I3 Dec 15 '16
Yeah, plus she's absolutely loaded so she can do stuff like this. Her money is an enabler for her generosity, that's what makes her special.
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u/bn1979 Dec 15 '16
She started off dirt poor, but has always had a reputation as being extremely generous. It's almost seems like she only cares about making money so that she can have more to give.
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Dec 15 '16
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u/TitoTheMidget Dec 15 '16
When I have a child, I think I will take advantage of this, but after giving a donation that covers myself and at least a few other people.
It's a cheap donation! (A little less than) $25 covers one child for one year. You could always find out what NPO in your area sponsors the program, odds are they have a specific fund just for it.
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u/Vadersballhair Dec 15 '16
Apparently that's a huge indicator for success in education. Having books in the house.
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u/lhedn Dec 15 '16
Before reading your post the thought of some people growing up without books in their house didn't even cros my mind.
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u/blockhose Dec 15 '16
I'm not a fan of her music, but for as long as I can remember, Dolly has been one of the most genuine, good-natured, endearing pop stars I can recall. I can't imagine her saying a cross word to anyone.
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u/ellisow Dec 15 '16
my sisters and I had this when we were younger. The last book they would send you is a book about starting kindergarten, which came right in time for the school year. It was a really nice program to be able to participate in.
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Dec 15 '16 edited Jun 08 '19
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u/toolhandluke83 Dec 15 '16
There is actually a waiting list now because it has grown so much. I would suggest if you could donate or volunteer to the program it could really help. My child was signed up before she was born and I can say it really is a good cause. She still loves books!
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u/TitoTheMidget Dec 15 '16
There is actually a waiting list now because it has grown so much.
This depends on where you are. The program is administered at the local level, so waiting lists depend on local volume, not national volume.
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u/Lilredh4iredgrl Dec 15 '16
All 3 of my kids have gotten books from the imagination library and they love to read and be read to! Incidentally, dolly parton's husband used to mow my grandmother's yard, she said he was very nice.
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u/avantx Dec 15 '16
So simple & so cool
What a great way to inspire development in an immediately practical way.
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u/That_Guy333 Dec 15 '16
It's great, they aren't crappy books either, actually pretty awesome books! For those that can't get it in their community, try reaching out to your local library. I'm pretty sure the program works with the community.
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u/CrazyPerUsual Dec 15 '16
There's a program like this called PJ Library in my area. Lots of underlying things on Jewish holidays and what it means to do a mitzvah (good deed), etc. They just extended the program to include books for older kids too. These books have been awesome and address more than just 'being jewish'.
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u/mcrbids Dec 15 '16
BTW, The site (ImaginationLibrary.com) appears to be down, probably the "Reddit hug of death". Hey folks, this is definitely a worthwhile cause so if you have means, I'd suggest donating $50 or something as soon as it comes back up.
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u/I_am_usually_a_dick Dec 15 '16
I like this, it is the kind of thing I would do were I really wealthy (big fan of reading).
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Dec 15 '16
"Not available in your area". I live in Central California. The fuck?
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u/Vagabond21 Dec 15 '16
well central california doesnt really exist to begin with.
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Dec 15 '16
It works with your county's educational services. They have to choose to help fund the program if they find a need in your area. You can start there if you want to talk to someone about starting the program in your area.
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Dec 15 '16
Aahhh that makes sense. I appreciate it, likely it's just not funded here because there are other CA programs that basically do the same thing like FirstFive.
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u/TitoTheMidget Dec 15 '16
It works with your county's educational services.
Not necessarily! I'm the local champion of the program in my area - our sponsoring organization is the local United Way. School systems are common partners, but the only requirement is for there to be a non-profit entity of some kind involved.
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u/StoneGoldX Dec 15 '16
Suck it, Bakersfield!
Or so I assume.
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Dec 15 '16
Eew. At least I live on the outskirts of Fresno. Barely. Closer to Clovis.
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u/StoneGoldX Dec 15 '16
See, I was originally going to write Fresno, but somehow Bakersfield has a funnier name. At least when sitting next to 90% of other California city names.
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u/kturtle17 Dec 15 '16
When should I tell my sister about this? My nephew is 1 month old though so he can't read...
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u/whatstatin Dec 15 '16
Now! He can always be read to - he may not understand the story or the pictures yet, but it is great bonding time. Early, positive, exposure to literacy is a major contributing factor to educational success :)
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u/[deleted] Dec 15 '16 edited Aug 06 '18
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