Ever since I could remember, my mom always had a book nearby. Whenever, she had a break from taking care of crazy kids, she would have her nose in a book. Later, when you visited my parents, both would both be engrossed in their latest book. I definitely inherited their reading gene. I absolutely love to read! Now, that I’m a mother to two wonderful daughters I want to show them the love of reading. However, that is easier said than done.
On occasion, I will snuggle on the coach with my oldest daughter (she’s 7) and she will actually get out her little chapter book and read. I look at her and I’m so proud! I succeeded in teaching her the love of books! It really reinforces my love of reading. However, that lasts about 5 minutes, 20 tops. She’s done and ready to move on to do something else. Me? I continue my reading and shake my head. Oh well, maybe next time.
Another thing my mom loved to do was to play golf and, of course, I hated it. It was my little rebellion against her. I think that is what’s happening with my daughter. She sees how much I love to read and she thinks “Nope! Not going to do that!” I just laugh to myself. I won’t give up because I will get her soon enough. It just makes me want to read more and show her how wonderful reading can be.
One day my five-year old asked why I loved to read so much. I told her that I like to visit different places and times and I can see it all in my head. She had an astonished look on her face and I could see her mind just churning over what I just told her. Reading could do that? Yes, it can!
It’s so important to get your children to read every day. If they see you do it, maybe they will see how great it can be. Or maybe not. Just remember you can’t give up. Being part of that imaginary world is something that every child should a part of.
Kendal Stegmann blogs at Kinx’s Book Nook.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Love of reading is truely the greatest of loves!
I LOVE your explanation to your daughter of why you love to read…that it takes you to amazing places. I’m sure she’ll remember that.
My heart beams with pride every time I see my 18 mth of pick up a book and “read”. She won’t let me read to her anymore, she wants to do it herself. But still it makes me proud.
I truly get excited when I ask my son what he wants to do and he says go to the bookstore or library. It may be partly due to the Lego table and bakery at Barnes & Noble and the puzzle table at the library,but hey, I’ll take what I can get!