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 you've ever waited ten minutes for your four year old to get his shoes on, you know what I mean.
So, how do we keep reading with our kids BUT also save what's left of our time, energy, and sanity?
Here are three tips that work!
1. Read Short Books
Have you ever had your child hand you what feels like the longest book on Earth? It's awful, right?!
Now, we have a "short book" rule when reading at night. We'd rather get through a higher number of shorter books than one long one. It keeps everyone's attention and doesn't tax our patience as parents.
2. Pick Books That You Love Too
If you don't like the books you're reading to your kids, you won't want to read them. And doesn't that defeat the purpose? That's why you should pick out books too. See these great books for 1 year olds to help with young ones >>
3. Find Alternatives
Some nights, we just don't have it in us to read. AND THAT'S OK!
At these times, we recruit our older daughter to read to the younger one (which they both love). We choose a kids podcast or audiobook instead. Or we take a break from reading.
As a society we have an "all or nothing" mentality. But remember that some reading is better than nothing. And when you're at the end of your rope, it's ok to reach for those short books, find alternatives, and pick your absolute favorites.
What books do you love to read to your kids?
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