I noticed a familiar number flashing on my phone but chose to ignore it. I knew what the call was about, and after listening to the voicemail, I quickly deleted it—along with six other messages from the same caller. The library was informing me that a package awaited collection in the building’s vestibule. My latest order was in a plain brown paper bag by the door, and I was instructed to enter alone and wear a mask.
I chuckled as I erased the repetitive messages from the local librarians, reminding me of my book pickups, as if I were engaging in some sort of illicit activity. These days, borrowing books is the most rebellious thing on my agenda, and I highly recommend you join in this delightful escapade.
Most of the books I place on hold through the library’s online system are for my children, although I do sneak a few for myself. My love for reading has transformed since becoming a parent; I now find myself reading far more to my kids than to myself. During the early days of having twins, I often fell asleep just a few pages into my own books, as the demands of a toddler and newborn twins took their toll. Nevertheless, I have always prioritized reading to them.
Books have been a staple in our bedtime routine, and I still read to my kids for 30-60 minutes each night. My oldest is nearly 10, and the twins are seven now; our reading journey has evolved from board books to picture books, and now to chapter books. However, I still can’t bear to part with some beloved classics, so we occasionally revisit Goodnight Moon or The Snowy Day.
Despite the exhausting days, I consistently rely on bedtime as my time to reconnect with my kids. The chaotic pre-bedtime moments can be overwhelming, but once we’re snuggled together, I can release my frustrations. They transform from defiant to sweet, and we rediscover our bond. Thankfully, we’ve reached a point where all three can read independently. While we maintain our nightly ritual, there are now magical moments when they all curl up with their own books.
Unsolicited Parenting Wisdom
Here’s a piece of unsolicited parenting wisdom I stand by: surround your kids with books and read to them at least once a day. Going on a road trip? Pack books. Want to celebrate a job well done? Offer books. Need a brief moment of peace? Leave a bag of library books near the couch for your child to explore. When they need to calm down, hand them a few books and suggest some quiet time. My children often turn to books after moments of frustration and invariably end up in better spirits by the time they finish.
Books from the library, school book fairs, yard sales, and thrift stores clutter my car, the kids’ rooms, the staircase, and nearly every surface in our home. I can’t resist a Scholastic book order and have become quite adept at navigating the library’s online catalog. I’ve been sharing my love for books with my kids since they were born, and I encourage you to do the same. While I want them to develop strong literacy skills, my primary goal has always been to instill a love for storytelling. I want my kids to find joy, escape, and comfort in being read to, and now they are beginning to experience the same joy through their own reading.
My oldest has been an avid reader for several years, often seeking out quiet corners to immerse herself in a book. The twins are still catching up, but I’ve recently encouraged them to re-read the short chapter books we’ve shared, like the Dragon Masters series. This helps minimize the struggle of choosing books and keeps them engaged with familiar characters. As their reading skills improve, so does their enthusiasm for it. Mornings are now filled with the sound of three kids enjoying breakfast while engrossed in their books. I swear I could hear angels singing on a Monday morning! Sure, I now find myself reminding them to set their books aside and get ready for school, but it’s a welcome change from having to shout at them to stop wearing their siblings’ underwear on their heads.
Just the other night, my oldest daughter came to dinner with her nose still buried in her book. I expressed my happiness that she was so absorbed in her story but asked her to set it down for ten minutes to engage with the family. She huffed but replied, “Fine. But I prefer the land of fiction.” I smiled, recognizing that I had nurtured a budding bookworm. The most rewarding part is that I can finally envision lazy days where all of us are cozied up with our favorite books at the same time. It has taken years to reach this point, but my efforts are beginning to bear fruit. I prefer the land of fiction, too.
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Search Queries:
- Benefits of reading to children
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In summary, introducing your children to the world of books not only fosters literacy but also strengthens your bond with them. By prioritizing reading together, you create cherished moments that can lead to a lifelong love of stories.
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