I noticed the notification on my phone but chose to ignore it. I had a hunch about its contents, and after hearing the voicemail, I opted to delete it—just like the half-dozen others from the same number. It was a reminder from my local library that a package was waiting for me in the vestibule. My latest order was tucked inside a brown paper bag by the door, and I was instructed to collect it alone while wearing a mask.
I chuckled as I deleted the repetitive messages from the librarians, notifying me of my book pickup as if I were engaging in some sort of illicit activity. In these times, borrowing books is my most rebellious act, and I highly recommend you join me in this endeavor.
While some of the books I reserve through the online catalog are for my personal enjoyment, the majority are for my children. This practice has always served me well. As an avid reader, my focus shifted to reading to my kids after their arrival. By the time I finally had a moment to myself at night, I often found myself dozing off just a few pages into my own book. There was a significant stretch of about 18 months after the twins were born during which I couldn’t finish a single book—understandably so, given the chaos of having newborn twins alongside a toddler. Yet, that didn’t deter me from sharing stories with them.
Reading has been an integral part of our bedtime routine, and I still dedicate 30 to 60 minutes each night to this cherished activity. My oldest is nearly 10, and the twins are now seven. We’ve evolved from board books to picture books, early readers, and chapter books, always keeping the door open to any genre. I still hold onto certain beloved titles, occasionally revisiting classics like Goodnight Moon or The Snowy Day.
Despite the exhausting days that can sometimes feel overwhelming, I always look forward to our bedtime ritual as a chance to reconnect. The chaotic pre-bedtime rush can be a storm of frustration, but once we’re nestled together, I can release my irritation. In those moments, my kids transform from defiant to sweet, and we share laughter and warmth. Thankfully, we’ve reached a point where all three can read independently. Our nighttime routine continues, but now there are delightful stretches of time when my children are all curled up with their own books.
I have one piece of unsolicited parenting wisdom that I swear by: surround your kids with books and read to them each day. Going on a road trip? Bring books. Want to reward good behavior? Books. Need a moment of peace? Leave a stash of library books nearby and watch your child dive in. When my kids need to unwind, I give them a selection of books and suggest some quiet time. Almost always, they gravitate towards the pages, and by the end of their reading session, they’re in far better spirits.
Books from the library, book fairs, yard sales, and thrift stores are strewn throughout my vehicle, my kids’ rooms, the staircase, and nearly every surface in our home. I can’t resist a Scholastic book order, and I’ve become quite adept at navigating the library’s online catalog. I’ve been promoting a love of books to my kids since before they were born, and I encourage you to do the same. While I want them to develop strong literacy skills, my main goal has always been to instill a love for stories. I want my kids to experience the joy and comfort that comes from being read to, and now they are beginning to discover this joy through their own reading.
My oldest daughter has been a confident reader for several years and often seeks out quiet corners to immerse herself in a book. The twins are catching up their reading skills, and I recently encouraged them to revisit the small chapter books I’ve read to them. I strategically introduce them to series—like Dragon Masters—to simplify their reading choices and keep them engaged with familiar characters. Since they already know the stories, I hoped it would help them read with greater ease. Finally, something clicked! As their reading abilities improved, their enthusiasm for it grew as well. Mornings now often find all three kids enjoying breakfast while engrossed in their books. It feels like a scene from a fairy tale, even on a Monday. I do find myself reminding them to put their books down and get ready for school, but this is far preferable to directing them to stop wearing each other’s underwear on their heads.
Just the other evening, my oldest daughter wandered to dinner with her nose buried in a book. I expressed my happiness at her enjoyment of the story but asked her to take a break for 10 minutes to engage with the family. She huffed a bit, saying, “Fine. But I prefer the land of fiction.” I understood exactly what she meant, and I felt a swell of pride for nurturing a little bookworm. The best part is, I can now envision moments of tranquil togetherness where we all snuggle up with our favorite reads on a lazy day. It took years to reach this milestone, but my efforts are finally paying off. I prefer the land of fiction too.
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this other post on our blog.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s journey of fostering a love for reading in her children amidst the chaos of parenting. By integrating books into their daily routine, she emphasizes the importance of reading together and allowing kids to explore literature independently. The piece highlights how reading has become a bonding experience for the family, transforming bedtime into a cherished ritual and encouraging a lifelong love of stories.