You get to the end of a chapter, and realize that your child has been daydreaming and not actually listening

[emkana]

Does that happen to anybody else?
What do you do?
REad the chapter again? Straight away? Or the next day? Or just summarize the plot? do you get cross?

[oregonianabroad]

how old?
sometimes reading is pure escapism... I can happily remember being lost in a world of my own, lving the sound of my mother's voice (reading to me was one of the few things she did really well).
I don't think it's a problem, but if you're worried about missing key plot points, why not summarise -- see how much she/he can remember first, then go on to the next chapter. Or even ask him/he if they want you to read it again?

[oregonianabroad]

opps, loving the sound...

[emkana]

She's nearly 7. Tonight was the second night she did this and I must admit that I got quite upset.

[oregonianabroad]

oops even

[edam]

Is it to do with schoolwork, or reading for pleasure? If for pleasure, I wouldn't read it again or summarize the plot. Agree with oregon, being read to can be very relaxing, can understand someone going off into a daydream.

[emkana]

It's reading for pleasure. But if you don't know the plot then reading the rest of the book becomes a bit pointless doesn't it?

[oregonianabroad]

take your lead from her. ask her if she's enjoying the book, or wants to choose another, or if she actually just enjoys listening and letting her mind wander from time to time.

[poodlepusher]

why get upset - that's a bit strong.
you can't take it too personally or you'll risk putting her off reading altogether by putting pressure on her.

If she's 7 she may want to read by herself now...

[Smithagain]

Could you interpret "daydreaming" as "enjoying being totally relaxed in mummy's company and just drifting away in a lovely, warm manner" ?

To be honest, sometimes I drift off myself while I'm reading a book, but somehow my eyes keep following the words.

If it was a one-off, I'd have a laugh about it and read the chapter again when she's in the mood.

If she does it all the time, I'd try an easier/more exciting book and leave that one for another time.