Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam surprised patients with a visit to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital last week. She is an advocate for early intervention and childhood literacy and read Perre Magness’s book, We Live in Memphis, to children during her trip.
Students and faculty from St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Mrs. Haslam’s alma mater, attended the event and participated in the reading. Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell spoke and recognized the efforts of the Early Success Coalition for collaboration around Memphis to help give children a healthy start in life.
It was another great day to be a Tennessean – in the company of our First Lady, patients and staff at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and many others who are working together to do what's right for kids.
Some of Mrs. Haslam's main messages for families include:
- By the time your baby turns 3 years old, his brain has already reached 80 percent of its adult size.
- You are your child’s first teacher. As a parent, you can help your baby reach his full potential.
- Your touch can help build your baby's brain? Hug your child; caress those tiny toes; cuddle him in your arms. These simple things will help him learn and grow.
- Reading to your baby can help promote brain development, too. Start when she’s a newborn. Tell her a story and show her the words and the pictures.
