I noticed the number flashing on my phone but chose not to answer. I had a hunch about the message, and after listening to the voicemail, I decided to delete it—just like I did with the six previous ones from the same caller. The library was notifying me that a package awaited my collection in the vestibule of our building. What I had ordered was tucked away in a brown paper bag by the door, and I was instructed to grab it solo while wearing a mask.
As I deleted the repetitive reminders from the local librarians about my book pickups, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the notion that borrowing books felt almost clandestine. Yes, diving into the world of literature is the most thrilling endeavor I’m engaged in these days, and I strongly encourage you to join me in this literary adventure.
Many of the books I reserve through the online catalog are for my own reading, but the majority are for my children. This strategy has served me well. As a lifelong book enthusiast, I found myself reading far more to my kids than indulging in my own reading. By the time my own bedtime rolled around, I would often drift off just a few pages into my book. There was a stretch of about 18 months when, after the arrival of my twins, I struggled to finish a single book. Adding newborn twins to an already active toddler changes the game! However, that didn’t stop me from sharing stories with them.
Reading has always been woven into our bedtime routine, and I still dedicate 30-60 minutes each night to reading with my kids. With my eldest nearing 10 and the twins now seven, we’ve journeyed from board books to picture books, then onto early readers and chapter books—nothing is off-limits. I couldn’t bear to part with certain favorites, so every now and then, we revisit classics like Goodnight Moon or The Snowy Day.
Despite the chaos of some days, I can always count on bedtime as a sacred time to bond with my kids. Getting them ready for bed can often feel like a tornado, but once we settle in together, I can release my frustrations. They transform from little rebels into sweet companions, and we can laugh and reconnect. While not every day is a whirlwind, knowing I have this opportunity to reestablish our connection through stories is a comforting thought.
What’s truly amazing is that we’ve reached a point where all three of them can read independently. Our nightly ritual remains, but now, like magic, there are moments when all three kids snuggle up with their books.
Here’s a piece of unsolicited parenting advice that I wholeheartedly endorse: surround your children with books and read to them daily. Are you going on a road trip? Bring books. Want to reward good behavior? Books are the answer. Need 15 minutes of peace? Leave a stash of library books by the couch for your child to explore. When your kids are feeling restless, hand them some books and encourage them to take a quiet break. I’ve found that after a few minutes of frustration, my kids often gravitate toward their books and emerge in better spirits by the time they finish reading.
Books from the library, book fairs, yard sales, and even Goodwill are strewn throughout my van, the kids’ rooms, and nearly every flat surface in our home. I simply cannot resist a Scholastic book order, and I’ve become quite adept at navigating the library’s online catalog. I’ve been introducing my kids to the joys of reading since they were born, and I suggest you do the same. While I want them to develop strong literacy skills, my primary focus has always been on fostering a love for stories. I want them to experience the joy, entertainment, and comfort that reading can provide, and now they are beginning to discover this on their own.
My eldest has been an avid reader for years, often retreating to a quiet space to immerse herself in a book. The twins are catching up, and I recently encouraged them to revisit the small chapter books I had previously read to them. I find that hooking them on series—like Dragon Masters—simplifies the process of picking books they’ll enjoy. Knowing the story already helps them focus on the words, and as their reading skills improve, their desire to read grows as well. Mornings now often see all three kids enjoying breakfast while engrossed in their books. I swear I could hear angels sing on a recent Monday! Sure, I now find myself reminding them to put their books down and get ready for school, but that’s a better scenario than coaxing them to stop wearing their siblings’ underwear as hats while they procrastinate.
Just the other night, my eldest emerged for dinner with her nose still buried in a book. I appreciated her enthusiasm for the story but asked her to set it aside for 10 minutes to engage with the family. With a huff, she replied, “Fine. But I prefer the land of fiction.” I knew exactly what she meant, and I felt a surge of pride for nurturing a budding bookworm. The best part? I can finally envision those peaceful moments where we all curl up with our favorite books on a lazy day, a milestone achieved after years of effort. I too prefer the land of fiction.
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Search Queries:
- Benefits of reading to children
- How to foster a love for books in kids
- Tips for bedtime reading rituals
- Encouraging independent reading in children
- Educational impact of children’s literature
Summary:
Incorporating books into daily life not only enriches the parent-child bond but also fosters a love for reading that can last a lifetime. From bedtime stories to independent reading, the journey of nurturing a passion for literature begins early and can transform chaotic moments into cherished family connections.
Keyphrase: books as a parenting tool
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