When my phone buzzed with a notification, I chose not to answer. I already knew what it was—another message from my local library about a package waiting for me. After listening to the voicemail, I promptly deleted it, along with several others from the same number. My latest treasure, a collection of books, awaited me in a discreet brown paper bag by the entrance, and I was instructed to pick it up alone and wear a mask.
I chuckled as I erased the repetitive reminders from the librarians. It felt almost clandestine, as if borrowing books was some sort of covert operation. Yet, diving into this literary world is the most exciting adventure I’ve embarked upon these days, and I encourage everyone to join in.
While I do reserve a few titles for myself, the majority of my library haul is for my children. This strategy has proven to be incredibly rewarding. As a devoted reader, I found myself immersed in children’s literature more than my own preferences after becoming a parent. In fact, there was a stretch of around 18 months when my twins were born when I couldn’t finish a single book. That’s what happens when you add newborns to a toddler! Still, I never gave up reading to them.
Books have been integral to our nightly routine, and even now, I dedicate 30-60 minutes each evening to read to my kids. My oldest is nearly 10, and the twins are 7; we’ve transitioned from board books to picture books, early readers, and now chapter books. No title is off-limits, and I often revisit classics like Goodnight Moon or The Snowy Day.
Despite the chaos that some days bring, bedtime remains my cherished opportunity to connect with my kids. Preparing them for sleep can be a whirlwind, but once we settle down together, my frustrations fade away. They transform from little monsters to sweethearts, and we share laughter and warmth. Thankfully, we’ve reached a point where all three can read independently. Our bedtime ritual continues, but now I often find them engrossed in books on their own.
Here’s a piece of unsolicited parenting advice that I wholeheartedly believe in: surround your children with books and read at least one each day. Going on a road trip? Bring books. Celebrating a milestone? Books make the perfect reward. Need some peace and quiet? Set down a bag of library books nearby and let your child explore. If your little ones are feeling restless, handing them a few books often helps them calm down and shift into a better mood.
My van, their rooms, the staircase, and most flat surfaces in our home are overflowing with books from various sources—libraries, book fairs, yard sales, and thrift stores. I can’t resist Scholastic book orders, and I’ve become quite adept at navigating our library’s online catalog. I’ve been encouraging my kids to love books since before they were born, and I recommend you do the same. While developing literacy skills is important, my main goal has always been for my children to find joy in stories. They are now beginning to discover the thrill of reading for themselves.
My oldest has been a proficient reader for years and often seeks out quiet corners to enjoy her books. The twins are catching up, and I’ve encouraged them to revisit the small chapter books we’ve read together recently. I’ve found that getting them hooked on series, like Dragon Masters, simplifies their reading journey and helps them stay engaged. Familiarity with the characters and storyline makes it easier for them to grasp the text, and as their skills improve, their enthusiasm for reading grows. Mornings now feature all three kids at the breakfast table, absorbed in their books. It’s a sight to behold! I’m even finding myself reminding them to put their books down and get ready for school—a much better scenario than having to scold them for wearing each other’s underwear as hats!
The other night, my oldest came to dinner with her nose still buried in her book. While I was thrilled that she was enjoying the story, I asked her to set it aside for just ten minutes to join the family. With a sigh, she replied, “Fine, but I prefer the land of fiction.” I felt proud knowing I’d nurtured a budding bookworm. I can now envision lazy days spent together, all of us nestled with our favorite reads. It took years to reach this point, but the effort has been worth it. I prefer the land of fiction too!
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Summary:
Books have become a vital part of my family’s routine, not only serving as a tool for literacy but also as a means for bonding and comfort. Despite the chaos of parenting, our nightly reading ritual has transformed our home into a sanctuary of stories. Encouraging my kids to read independently while also sharing stories together has created a love for books that I hope will last a lifetime.