reading: How to Help Older Kids Get Back Into Reading - 01/11/23 11:28 AM
Reading is important for every aspect of life. A child who reads will be better able to communicate with others, understand the world around them, and express their creativity. If your older child has gotten out of the habit of reading, here are five helpful tips to encourage your older child to read.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A comfortable space can go a long way in encouraging a child to read. Having a quiet, cozy reading room or a reading corner puts the child in the mood for reading whenever they are there. Creating a reading nook is easy. Choose a quiet, … (4 comments)

reading: How to Read to Your Kids Consistently (Hint: Make it Easier) - 10/11/22 10:08 AM
90% of a children's brain develops before kindergarten. Plus, research has shown that reading to kids is a HUGE indicator of later success in their education. As parents, we know this.
But real life doesn't always match what we know we should do. As a parent of three, here are the challenges we run into often...
✅ We're busy. Sometimes, we're ping-ponging from soccer to Scouts to gymnastics. If we can keep the schedule straight, it's a great day.
✅ We're tired. Raising kids requires HIGH energy. There's no doubt about it. By the end of the night, we're wiped.
✅ We're emotionally taxed. If … (1 comments)

reading: Why You Should Get Back To Reading Again - 09/27/22 07:10 AM
If it has been a while since you've sat down with a book, it's time to get started! First, I know. Life is busy, and it's hard to make the time. As a child, I read as many books as I could get my hands on. But this habit is easier said than done as an adult. The other day, I stumbled upon some very good facts about reading, and it helped me start the habit again. So, why should you pick up a book today? Let's find out!
 
Reading lowers stress levels as much as 68%.
That's more than taking a walk, … (5 comments)

reading: What's the Greatest Habit to Have? - 09/20/22 12:11 PM
You could say that the all time best habit is eating well, treating people kindly, or exercising.
Or you could say it's getting good sleep, spending daily time outside, or connecting deeply with loved ones.
You'd be right on many levels. And these are all mega important.
Yet one of the best habits a person can have (that's not discussed as often) is...
 - READING - 
Seriously,
- Warren Buffet has spent 5-6 hours a day reading for years.
- Oprah Winfrey has called reading her "personal path to freedom."
And there's much logic in this quote:
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” - Margaret Fuller
Opening a book often … (7 comments)

reading: How to Get Back into the Reading Habit - 08/16/22 06:55 AM
Reading has a multitude of benefits. Fiction can unlock your imagination and skyrocket your creativity. While non-fiction introduces you to new ideas and new ways of being. For me, reading has been the #1 reason I've been able to grow my business and do things I never thought possible.
And yet, once you're out of the reading habit it can be difficult to jump back in. If you're feeling this way lately, here are a few quick tips to help:
1. Remember Why You Love ReadingFor me, it's the feeling of escape or growth that I can't find anywhere else. I also realize … (3 comments)

reading: The Realistic Guide to Reading to Kids (For Busy Parents) - 07/05/22 09:14 AM
Research has shown over and over again that reading to kids is a HUGE indicator of later success in their education. As parents (and grandparents), we know this.
But real life doesn't always match what we know we should do. As a parent of three, here are the challenges we run into often...
- We're busy. It seems like we're running around many nights of the week.
- We're tired. Three kids requires HIGH energy. There's no doubt about it. Often, by the end of the night, we're wiped out.
- We're emotionally taxed. If you've ever waited ten minutes for your four year old … (3 comments)

reading: Best Books By Age + How to Make Reading Fun For Kids - 05/31/22 04:44 AM
When I went to school conferences for my 10 and 7 year old last year, I had two major realizations...
1. Oh crap, the kids haven't been reading books at home.
2. I have NO idea what books to get them that are both good for reading level AND interesting to them.
I thought that if I have this issue, perhaps there are other moms scratching their heads about it too, and thus, a book series on the blog was born.
This series is to help you find great books for your kids based on age. So that you have easy lists done for you!
Here's … (4 comments)

reading: How to Make Reading More Fun For Kids - 04/26/22 11:41 AM
As adults we know how important reading is, and how instrumental it is for our kids' futures. While they may not have to read novels or textbooks later in life, cultivating the ability to learn and soak up knowledge is a key skill. One that I believe trumps many other skills.
 
There's just one problem. So often, kids don't want to read. It's difficult for them, or just not as fun as the constant array of devices available to them.
 
Now, we’ve struggled with this too. So, first let's address one BIG thing that can help keep kids interested - getting books that … (3 comments)

reading: How One Reading Challenge Helped My Career (& Family) - 03/09/22 10:36 AM
I enjoy books of all types, but as a new business owner, I realized that it would be valuable to learn more about business, habits, and productivity. So, at the start of 2021, I knew that I needed to read more. 
This small desire grew into concrete action when I unexpectedly came across a challenge on Spar! to read a book a week for an entire year.
Even more interesting - you had to check in twice a week (once to state your book and again at the end of the week to talk about it). If you missed a check-in, then you … (10 comments)

reading: How to 2x Your Goals Progress - 09/01/21 11:56 AM
I'm a HUGE fan of challenges, and I entered one on a whim back in January.
Like many, I wanted to read more in 2021. So, thanks to New Year motivation, I signed up to read 1 book a week for 3 months.
With the help of group accountability and a $20 miss penalty (ouch), I followed through.
And then signed up again. And again.
But why keep doing it? You might be thinking, "that's a lot of reading!" And you'd be right.
It stretched me to read that much every night, and I gave up a lot of tv in the process.
Surprise, Surprise
But here's the deal, I noticed … (0 comments)