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My oldest child loves to read. Although he can not read independently yet, story time has always been sacred for him. At 18 months, I remember getting him up from his crib in the morning and him immediately heading to the bookcase. We would curl up in the reading chair and read one book after another sometimes for an hour. This is remarkable considering my oldest son loves to eat, I mean really eat. He came out of the womb ravenous and hasn't slowed down since. I fear the teenage years and yet, he chose books over breakfast. This shows the importance he places on books and I love the cuddles that come with reading stories together.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding moments of genuine connection with our children becomes increasingly precious. This is why I have dedicated Sundays to family time. Concentrating on connecting with each of my children one on one. One of the most enchanting avenues for bonding, as I have discovered, is through the simple yet profound act of reading together. Below you will find why I find this shared literary journey to be so incredibly rewarding. I have also included some of my favorite authors and series to engage your kids in reading.
Creating a Magical Escape
In the world of books, we embark on adventures beyond our living room. From the cozy nooks of Hogwarts to the farthest reaches of outer space, reading together transports us to places only limited by our imaginations. The joy of witnessing my children's faces light up as they explore these imaginary realms is a priceless experience. The Worst! is my favorite fantasy series. It is light-hearted and funny and helps teach kids that first impressions are not always accurate. You can find a box set here.
Building a Bridge of Communication
The characters and plots in stories often become a bridge for discussions on life's nuances. Whether it's a tale of friendship, courage, or kindness, the narratives provide a subtle backdrop for us to delve into meaningful conversations. Through these discussions, I learned more about their perspectives, fears, and dreams, fostering a deeper understanding of each other. I enjoy the I Am series which helps kids identify their emotions in an uplifting and positive way. I enjoy I Am Love and I Am One.
Fostering a Love for Learning
Beyond the emotional connection, reading together cultivates a love for learning. It instills in my children a curiosity about the world, a thirst for knowledge that goes beyond the confines of school. As we explore diverse genres and topics, I witness the blossoming of their intellect and the development of a lifelong passion for reading. My oldest is fascinated by anatomy and animals so he enjoys the Inside Out books found here. My younger son, the hurricane, loves vehicles. The Usborne Big Book of Machines is his favorite. It also has big flaps that fold out.
Nurturing Empathy
Stories allow us to walk in the shoes of others, cultivating empathy in a way that few other mediums can. As we encounter characters facing challenges or celebrating triumphs, my children learn to understand different perspectives, fostering empathy and compassion that extends beyond the pages of the book. Pete the Cat series does a great job of identifying common challenges for toddlers and younger children and showing them ways to work through them. Here is a great starter set, but the series is very robust. My oldest liked Pete the Cat so much that he was a guest at his first birthday party. There is also a Pete the Kitty series for younger children.
Cherishing the Quiet Moments
In our fast-paced lives, the simple act of sitting down together with a book creates a sanctuary of calm. The quiet moments spent engrossed in a story become a sanctuary where we escape the world's noise, creating a cocoon of tranquility that strengthens our connection.
Passing Down a Timeless Tradition
Reading together is not just a fleeting activity; it's the passing down of a timeless tradition. The books we choose become a part of our family's narrative, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. As a mother, knowing that I am contributing to a legacy of shared stories brings a profound sense of fulfillment. My favorite author from my childhood was Eric Carle. My kids and I read the very same Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? book I had as a child. The author I enjoy with my children at the moment is Mo Willems. He does the Pigeon series as well as the Elephant and Piggie series. Both are incredible. He also has many other stories that we enjoy. I hope that one day my children will share these books with their kids.
The magic of bonding through reading is a gift that keeps giving. It's more than turning pages; it's about turning moments into memories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that form the foundation of a strong and enduring connection with our children. So, let's continue to flip open those books, dive into the magic, and savor the joy of creating lasting bonds through the pages of our favorite stories.
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