In literature, “tone” refers to the author’s attitude toward a certain topic. Through specific word choices, an author reveals their opinions, feelings and intentions regarding the text. Tone reflects a writer’s feelings toward the topic, such as formal, informal, serious, humorous, sarcastic, playful or urgent.

We set certain tones in our homes too, both intentionally and unintentionally. As we BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS, books can help us set the tones we desire to establish in our homes. Most of us want to create peaceful tones in our homes, whenever possible. I realize this is NOT ALWAYS possible, but establishing some healthy routines is certainly worth the effort.

We can use books to create a loving, peaceful and nurturing tone within our homes:

• Establish a reading routine at a specific time of the day, each day. Maybe this is when Mom/Dad is cooking dinner or when the littles get home from school or preschool. Start young. At first, sit with them and guide them. Little by little, pull yourself away and applaud them for their independence.
• Create a reading area with cozy pillows. Play some instrumental, soothing music. Even little ones will “look” through pages on their own and tell the story using their own words. Be creative with whatever space you have.
• Incorporate books that matter. Provide books about manners, how to help each other, and how to solve problems. These types of books lead to meaningful conversations and helpful dialogue.
• Read with them too. At some point in the day or evening, read together and lead them in faith. Read a Bible story each evening. Sing songs about God and heroes of the faith. We seem to build in routines for things that are much less meaningful….let’s be sure to build in time to lead them to Jesus and establish a firm foundation.
• Use a devotional or a book of prayers at bedtime. Teach thankfulness to God from the very start. Say a sweet prayer of thanks and a prayer for others together each evening.

We recently read this challenge in our daily devotional: “try to establish a rhythm of gratitude and worship…. all day long.” This statement stuck with me and I believe it’s an attitude, a tone, worth teaching our littles. We can exhibit all kinds of tones in our homes. Let’s be honest, some days are just tough. But, we can aim to have moments of peace, moments of quiet time with a book and a child. Good for them, good for us, just good for the soul.

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“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” Philippians 4:8