Parents Are you looking for a way to spur conversation with your child? Try reading the newspaper together.

No matter how old you are there is something for everyone in the Northwest Herald. Reading the newspaper together will help you begin conversations with your child about the news and the world around them.

When you read the Northwest Herald, you learn about whats happening in your community, the nation and the world. There is information on entertainment, events, local happenings, shopping, investments, sports and much more. And most importantly, reading the newspaper with your child, even at an early age, will give your child good reading habits that will last a life time.

Reading the newspaper makes most children feel mature. Asking their opinion stimulates interest and makes them feel valued.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Spread the paper out on the counter or table and invite your child to read it. Include conversation starters like "Wow, did you hear about this..." or "I didn't know..., did you?"
• Most children are interested in sports. We cover high school sports like no one else. See what high schools and athletes are featured. Ask them if they know that student: "I really never hear you talk about him/her. What are they like?"
• The Lifestyle section contains horoscopes and advice columns. Read Dear Abby aloud. Talk about the question and the response. Do you agree? Why or why not? This is an excellent way to discover your child's views on today's social issues.
• Look through Friday's Sidetracks section and ask your child what his/her plans are for this weekend.
• Do the crossword puzzle and ask family members to help.
• Work together to complete Kid Scoop puzzles and games with your child every Friday.
• Look through the Neighbors section to see if you know anyone.

By communicating with your child on subjects he/she reads in the newspaper, you can apply skills to real-life issues. Plus, you can find fun and entertaining ways to use the newspaper to help educate your child.