Daddy I love your voice

When I started out on this fatherhood journey i had the chance to be reading some research by Patricia Kulh at the University of Washington.  She talked about the abilities of how young children till the age of 6 months can discriminate distinctions among languages.  This is amazing stuff I invite you to check it out, I found it at www.researchchannel.org I mention this because as a new father we often think that babies are just there, they really only seem interested in mom and lets face it she has all the things they really need.  Now we can say that dad you have something to offer, the SPORTS SECTION!, I know that this sounds to good to be true but, if we understand that young babies can pick up on language distinctions then that must mean they are intently listening to the spoken world around them and to that I say "dad let your voice be heard".  You can do this simply by taking the news paper you read go to the sports section, its quick and has just enough in their to keep baby going, at the same time give your little one the local sports store advertisement and let them have at it.  It is important to know that a young baby is exploring and feeling their way around the world so give them something that they can dig into and have their way with.  While they are on your lap read the world of sports out loud to them and when they look at you or make a noise directed to what you are doing use that as the open door to talk to them, tell them about the pictures in the paper and tell them that the Dodgers have a good team, and ask them "do you like baseball?".  Give them the chance to see your face and how your face is while you read, that means showing your excitement when the Steelers(that's our team) get into the playoffs or when they lose.  It is also important for the child to understand the emotions that go with the noises of the words.  Dads, we know that this fast pace world of working and getting the most out it is tough to manage, and I offer no simple solutions for that, but what I do offer is the chance to take the everyday and make it the every opportunity day that we as dads can teach our little ones.  They really do love our voice and that is all the world during this early time!!   Thank you