Lately, I’ve been surprised by how reading is so deeply engrained in our routine. This is mostly because of River, and maybe a little bit because of me. Lately, it’s been hard for me to find the enjoyable down-time to sit and fully read a book of my own. Despite my own personal reality, I am brought back to it again and again because the kids are big readers.
Last night, as I was laying in Oak’s bed (cuddling him to sleep) and R was reading a book in her bed, Oak found a notebook and crayon under his bed (my guess is that he hid it there?!) and started to scribble inside of it. Every few seconds, he’d look over at me with this mischievous smile, knowing he was up way too late, then go back to it. When he seemed to be done doing his late-night “work” he leaned over to River’s bed and asked her a question about what she was reading, and then he shared what he was writing. When she was done responding, he went back to scribbling.
It was sweet, and reminded me of the simple ways my kids bring me joy. It was also a brief personal reminder to pick up a book, a pen, or a notebook. I’ve come to realize that in raising kids, especially as they (and you) close the book on babies, things can seem scary, but it’s also completely magnificent. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t messy or frustrating, but the little moments that shine so clearly and also serve as reminders, are necessary now more than ever.
What are you kids enjoying by themselves? And what are you enjoying by yourself?
Here are a few of our favorites: The Giving Tree , Dog Man (yes, she is now a comic kid!), and still with this one.
My son is reading Dog Man too! As for me, I am obsessed with the podcast #AmWriting, with KJ and Jess, which is mostly listening (of course) but has led to a lot of fantastic book suggestions, which I then read. The content of the podcast is perfect as I am at work on a book.
Thank you for sharing Bryony! I am heading home to clean a little and will turn it on!
xo
LaTonya
I’m always knitting and my kids are into reading (books and comic books) or drawing or legos. This line hit me hard “I’ve come to realize that in raising kids, especially as they (and you) close the book on babies, things can seem scary” my kids (especially my nine year old) seem so grown all of a sudden and it does seem so scary. Thanks for the reminder to look for the special little moments!
Thank you Christine! Sometimes its good to write it, as I need the reminder myself. And knitting while they read sounds so so peaceful!
My daughter & I read together every night. She’s 11 & I’m so happy she hasn’t outgrown this. We pick a book & take turns reading aloud (I end up doing the majority of it), sometimes one of us reads ahead & the other one has to catch up. Reading with my kids is my favorite part of my day. All that to say we just finished City of Islands & we loved it so much!!!
Hi Avery! Thank you so much for the book suggestion. R and I read A Wrinkle In Time tonight (so much to go) and it was sweet taking turns and tapping in when she didn’t know words. I hope she never gets tired of it. It allows me to settle in with them, as I am sure it is the same for you. Thank you for also giving me hope for 11! Holding on to our little moments. xoxo
L
The Gruffalo and The snowy day (even though my toddler has never seen snow 🙂
Hi Ella!
California? We love The Snowy Day (just read it to O last night!)
This resonated with me to deeply! My little baby is a few weeks into kinder now and we’re already into the “messy” part of not being a baby anymore. I woke up today just so anxious about the mess and how scary it can be, sending your heart out into the world every day. Thank you for the sweet reminder to look for the little moments.
Thank you for the comment Laura. I sent Oak to pre-k today holding on to this one. Sending love.
xo