"We're there in the photo that hangs on the wall, the first childhood memory I can recall . . . The three of us snug in that overstuffed chair - (well, two - it just seems like the third one was there) - The Cat In The Hat, my father and I. It's just before bed and I'm warm and I'm dry. My father is laughing, I'm turning to look, and I'm watching him laugh as he's reading the book. We're having such fun, and he's holding me tight. There was always a book before saying good-night. That photograph shows the best times that I've had: all of those times I spent reading with Dad."

-Reading with Dad, by Richard Jorgensen, illustrated by Warren Hanson

I am convinced that entering a story together can be one of the most enriching experiences a dad can have with his child. Surveys of participants in the reading program Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED) support this.

• 62% reported that FRED "increased the time I spent with my child."
• 66% reported that FRED "improved my satisfaction level as a parent."
• 70 % fathers reported that FRED "improved my relationship with my child."

FRED is designed to encourage fathers to read with their children. It's a simple program with profound results. One father wrote, "(Participating in FRED) helped us change our mindset about what is important in our children's lives. (It) helped us to see that there really is time in the day to spend quality time with our kids." Another participate wrote, "It's given us a new ritual that enriches our lives as a family."

It is difficult to imagine the impact of spending a little time reading with your child unless you've tried it and sad to say many have not tried it. A national telephone poll commissioned by the NationalCenter for Fathering, discovered that; 25% of fathers of children K-12 read with their child every day, 23% reported they read 1 to 2 times a week, and 40.2% reported they never read to their child ever.

FRED is designed to change these numbers. Participation is easy. Fathers, or father figures, make the intentional goal of reading with their children on a daily basis during the month of November. If that sounds impossible with your current schedule, do what you can. Participants who complete the program surveys and submit a reading log are entered into a drawing to receive one of ten $25 gift certificates to The Tattered Cover.

Investing time today reading with your child can reap an abundance of benefits, not the least of which is a stronger relationship and memories that will last beyond your years. For additional insights on the importance of fathers reading with their children and to register for FRED visit www.douglascountyextension.org and click on the FRED logo, or call 720.733.6926. Information on Jorgensen's book is available at www.mpr.org/books/titles/jorgensen_reading.shtml

Rich Batten is the father of four, a certified family life educator and the family and consumer science agent for Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Rich and news anchor Natalie Tysdal discuss Work & Family issues every other Tuesday morning (approximately 6:45 a.m.) on News2 This Morning.