When a family comes to Pediatrics for well-child visit, they tell the story of their child’s health—how they’re sleeping, how they’re eating, whether they’ve had the flu, how their behavior is developing.
These are important stories. But sometimes they can be hard for families to tell. A doctor may be new to a family, or it may be challenging to remember all the details during the office visit.
That’s one reason the Pediatrics’ Reach Out and Read (ROR) program is so important. In the program, pediatricians and nurse practitioners give a developmentally appropriate book to every child, ages 6 months to 5 years, at every well-child visit. Often, providers may read with the child during the visit.
“ROR does help to put the children at ease and establish a rapport with the parents,” says Pediatrics provider Deborah R. Hansen, MD. “The parents and children love it. And it’s a nice opportunity for us to engage and interact with the child.” In addition to strengthening the relationship between providers and families, ROR also helps promote early reading and literacy.
Caregivers get practice and support in sharing books with their children. Providers can share observations about the child’s development as they interact with the story and pictures. Over time, children build a home library of books to share with family and friends.
If your child is due for a well-child visit, contact the Pediatrics Department at (603) 354-6666.
ROR is a national organization with 6,200 program sites, distributing over 7 million books per year. Learn more at reachoutandread.org. If you or your organization would like to financially support the efforts of the Reach Out and Read program here at Cheshire, please contact Stephanie Ramsey, LPN at (603) 354-5454 x 3973.