It’s been a long year of virtual school, work-at-home, frayed tempers, and frustrations. People, even within families, feel isolated from one another.

There’s an easy way to reconnect with your children. Invest 15 minutes a day to read to your child.

Reading aloud to babies and toddlers helps them learn that reading can be pleasurable. They love your voice and want to hear you, even if you don’t read all the words. Talk about the pictures.

Preschool children will want to be involved in the story – let them be! Ask them questions about the characters and situations. You’ll be surprised how much fun they have – and how much fun you have.

If you don’t have a lot of books available, you have several low or no-cost options.

• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides one book a month to children from birth until their 5th birthday. The books are selected to be just right for the age of the child. Sign up at the link above, or call 910-848-2300.
• The Hoke County Partnership for Children and Families Resource Library offers membership for only $10 a year.
• If you live in Hoke County, you can get a library card for free. Contact the Hoke County Library at 910-875-2502.