Summer evenings are the best for catching up on a good read—that is, if you happen to be under 12. Because everyone else is busy still running around, most especially moms. However, I’m making a plug this week for reading, not just as a family, but one-on-one with an individual child. I’ve noticed that alone time with each child actually is reduced in the summer simply because we’re doing things all together. But they still need that sole connection. One thing that’s worked for us is to have them each choose a book they love (and that we own or buy) and then read it together for mom-and-me time.
I read Gail Levine’s The Fairy Princess Returns with my oldest daughter, and just finished last night the American Girl’s ,“The Sweet Shoppe Mystery” with my middle daughter. So fun! No matter how crazy the day, a few nights a week I can spend 10 to 15 minutes cuddling with just one of my children, connecting, laughing, taking turns reading the pages, and doing special voices for the characters.
If you’re feeling the need for stronger connection with a particular child, try choosing a book they love (comics, Far Sides, Lego catalogues—we’ve done them all) ; it might just become a favorite of yours too (we’ll be starting Fablehaven soon). Add in popsicles and you’ve got a winner summer night.
All my best,
Connie
