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 older, I’ve realized the value of LISTENING over talking. I’ve gotten better at it but I’m still not good.  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” more 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.  Reading a faith-based story can lead to questions our littles may be dealing with.   Reading about adventures can open up conversations about hopes and dreams.  Our children may identify with a character and begin to understand their own emotions a bit better.

Reading a book like “Ira Sleeps Over” by Bernard Waber may open up dialogue about being afraid to spend the night at someone’s house.  This story has such humor built into sweet family dynamics and was one of our favorites. 

After we read together, we can allow our kiddoes to 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 lead and 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. 

Let’s Book Time with Our Kids and expect more than just reading to occur.  Reading time can lead to talking time, and talking time can create trust and openness….and some nurturing conversations.  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”.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19)

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