The Problem with a Kid Who Reads

Reading is a big deal in our family. We're a family of readers. I read business books, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, history. Maki reads a lot of computer books, science fiction and cyberpunk.

So it's no surprise that CJ is an early reader. At first, we thought he had just memorized a lot of books, but his teachers insist he is reading. And since he's trying to sound out words and reading books and signs he's never seen before, I figure it's true, he's reading.

I'm super proud of him, he's super proud of himself, and it's just wonderful to see him read out loud, to me and to himself.

But, it turns out that there is a downside to an early reader. Here are a couple of examples.

CJ and I went to lunch a couple of weeks ago. The waitress gave him the kids' menu and he started reading the list of items: hot dogs, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, etc. I said, "CJ, each meal comes with a fruit sald." CJ looked at the menu, then said, "no mama, it says that each meal comes with chips or a fruit sald. I want chips." Hmmmph, I can't fool him anymore.

CJ and I were surfing Amazon together. We were looking for a specific Thomas train called Harvey. Sure enough, we found Harvey and the Amazon search results showed related products. CJ's eyes were popping out at the books, trains and DVDs. He was particularly interested in the DVDs. I tried to fool him by saying, "CJ, you already have that one." But my son was not to be fooled. He would read the titles then let me know which ones he has and which ones he doesn't. In addition to being an early reader, he has a photographic memory when it comes to Thomas the Tank Engine. Hilarious.

I have a friend who told me that once your kids learn to tell time, you can no longer trick them by telling them they have 20 minutes and then calling time after 5. I guess that's coming. :-)

Is It Real or Is It Memorex?

CJ loves to read.  He asks me, Maki and the nanny to read books to him every day.  At night, he asks for 4 books ( 4 because he's 4).  He likes to practice writing and he also likes to read.

Is he actually reading or is he "memory" reading?  I have no idea.  I write out simple sentences for him and he reads them back to me.  He reads his books at night.  He seems to know the difference between single and plural nouns; he will sound out the "s"when reading.  And he is starting to sound out letters when he encounters a new word.

Whatever the case, CJ loves the idea the ideas that he is reading.  I hope he grows up to be a voracious reader like the rest of the family, maybe even like Uncle Alex. :-)