1-2-3, Read With Me

One thing that is a big deal in our home is reading.  It took us longer than I thought it would for us to have readers in the house, but each child has blossomed in their own time.  The Princess Chef started reading Thanksgiving morning last year (she was 6 1/2).  Little Man was already well on his way at that point and couldn't stand to be left behind and read his first book to us on Saturday following his Sissy's debut (and he was only 4 1/2).  We love books around here!

But what is even more important than books and reading them is what the reading actually does in our family and for our family. 

It opens up a new world for our children, every time they engage in a good book.  Recently the Princess Chef visited 1871 Wisconsin by visiting The Little House in the Big Woods. Lil Man has delved into the Seussical world with enthusiasm and is now really into reading any Bible story he can get his hands on, because he loves to spend time with real heroes.  We are all on a journey to the Celestial City thanks to Little Pilgrim's Progress during our family reading time. 

We have reading time every single day.  The kids have quiet reading time every afternoon, but we also know the importance of family time.  Daddy reads to them every night, Mommy usually reads with them in the afternoon.  Sometimes they read to us and they often read to each other and the baby.  Starting up next month, we'll be reading The Jesse Tree all together every night, too, and making an ornament the following morning to correlate to what we learned the night before.

Reading is such a beautiful addition to any family.  Do you have family reading time?  Do your kids have individual reading time?  If not, I challenge you to establish it.  Reading is a fundamental skill and as I was praying about what to write today, it just kept coming to me that I should share about reading and what it does.

1. Reading gives your children access to the Truth.  Not only can they learn just about anything pertinent to the world around them from the pages of a book, they are introduces to the very Word of God in an up close and personal way when they can read Him for themselves.  It is so critical that our children read books ... and The Book.  This is how they will develop an intimate relationship with God.
2. Reading equips them to share the Truth.  Reading provides the building blocks for communication.  Without words, we would not be able to share, instruct, encourage, or relate as well to people.  Words are necessary, but they can also enrich life and relationships when they are well chosen and aptly applied.
3. Reading creates family ties. There is something so beautiful that happens in a family when they read together.  Children will never forget the sound of Dad's voice reading the Bible to them; it is a legacy that will help establish a pattern to bless future generations.  They will also remember the times when Mom sets aside her housework to sit down and snuggle with a book on the couch and read to them, be it a novel adventure, the proverbs that apply to their time in live, or even current events.  And reading together in the evening after dinner creates a time of unity and peace in the home.

Have fun with your children and some good books today, my friends!