When people first become parents, the "firsts" roll by quickly. First cry. First poop. First bath.

After a few months, there's the first time sitting up unassisted. First crawl (or other ambulatory movement). First time pulling up to a stand.

First steps. First words. First time on the toilet alone.

And then the firsts slow down. First sleepover. First "real" soccer game. First day of Kindergarten.

Somewhere in there is the first solo reading of a book. Last week, my son Sam read books in Spanish and English. With just a little help. In a week or two, that help will likely be almost nonexistent. Once kids figure out reading, they tend to explode. It's a lot like speaking that way.

Every car ride these days is punctuated by Sam's recognition of a new word or two. His older brother Max is generally supportive, though Max's constructive criticism is sometimes a bit too pointed.

Older brothers. What can you do?

The reading milestone is a big one for parents. No longer can we spell out words in an attempt to disguise our conversations. Now, as Sam is our younger son, we largely phased out that habit when Max started reading three years ago.

More than that, though, reading means that a child is stepping further outside of the protective family cocoon. Up until now, we've largely been able to control the information that gets to Sam. As his reading improves, he'll be able to read stories in the newspaper (he already can read many of the headlines). He'll learn things about the world that are unpleasant, things we might want to keep from him.

This protective impulse seems to be natural and almost universal, but now we're going to have to let go more and more. We can (and do) control our boys' screen time (TV, movies, Internet, etc.) at home. In fact, there are weeks when neither boy has any. We still hold veto power on books checked out at the library, though we rarely use it. In the end, kids will defeat whatever strictures their parents put in place. So we don't worry too much about books. And we don't fret about screen time at other people's houses.

Reading is a window on the world. Books are one of humankind's greatest inventions, distilling massive amounts of knowledge into one small package. And while computers may be changing the format of books somewhat, reading is still the key to knowledge.

It's been interesting following Max's reading habits. He likes mysteries (he's read most of the Hardy Boys books) and books about science. He's read countless books about military aircraft. And he reads a fair amount of elementary school chick lit. Hey, whatever works.

Now Sam is joining the club. Trips to the museum will now mean making his own discoveries as he reads the signs in the exhibits. He will be able to wander down the paths he chooses, rather than relying on his parents or older brother to lead the way. In a very real way, learning to read is the first true step toward adulthood.

I prefer to celebrate these moments, rather than bemoan the loss of innocence they truly do symbolize. But in any case, Sam is much older today than he was two weeks ago.

Good for you, Sam. The world is now a much bigger place. You're gonna like it.

The first book Jon Worley read by himself was Go Dog Go!.