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Reading time with our kids can lead to something even more special.

Talking.

We just have to follow the breadcrumbs.

Personally, I can be a take-charge kind of person.  But, as I’ve gotten (much) older, I’ve realized the value of LISTENING over talking. I’ve gotten better at it but I’m still not good.  I’m working on it, intentionally.  And I wish I had been better at this when our kids were young. 

I am aware that I would often steer the conversation with our kids.   If I could do it all again, I would be willing to “sit in silence” or just “sit and see” what conversations my kids themselves would start.

Books can help us initiate conversations that we want and need to have with our little ones.  Reading a book about sadness or fear can even make our kids more aware of their own suppressed feelings.  They might identify with a character and understand their own emotions a bit better.

Reading a book like “Ira Sleeps Over” may open up dialogue about being afraid to spend the night at someone’s house.  After reading together, let your kiddo steer the conversation.  It’s challenging, I know!  We can offer some prompts and some personal experiences of our own if needed, but I think the challenge is to let THEM dominate the conversation.

Hansel and Gretel followed the breadcrumbs they had intentionally dropped in the woods so that they could find their way back home.  

Sometimes, trying to “follow” the conversation of a two, three or four year old can be like trying to spot hidden breadcrumbs on a thick forest floor.  But if we intentionally and patiently listen, we may uncover little conflicts or buried emotions that are rolling around in their minds.   We may be able to help them find their way safely home, just by sitting and listening. 

Reading time can lead to talking time, and talking time can create trust and openness.  We don’t have to solve all of their problems, but we can be the person who will listen in love.

And, if you figure out how to not dominate the conversation, let me know 😊.  I want to do a better job of this as “Nana” than I did as “Mom”.

Thanks for reading! Join me each week as we share ideas on how to “book time with our kids!”