stop. drop. and read.

I was sitting upstairs in Samuel and Elijah’s room yesterday. As I walked in I had to avoid the massive pile of books that Samuel had decided to read earlier. As we sat and played with his John Deere tractors I glanced over, saw the books, and decided that we’ll read. Again.

I know we’ve all heard the statistics on reading. This post isn’t about those facts — although I do believe them to be true — this little blip of six reasons to read goes beyond learning and being smart. For me reading strengthens our family and creates lifetime bonds.

Six Simple Reasons Why I Love to Read to my Kids:

1 – It’s quiet. In a house full of busy and curious little ones reading is the one time of day where the volume significantly drops. Normally, if I start reading to just one, within minutes the others will find their way to our reading spot and sit down and join. After a bit the level of noise drops lower and lower — so peaceful and needed during those busy {and loud} days.

2 – It fills my heart with gratitude. As I’m sitting there reading, with my littles {and olders} around me more often then not I’m overwhelmed with thankfulness for their lives that I get to share my own life with.  So often we see only the hard moments of the day so slowing down, breathing deep, and reading with them around is good for the momma’s heart and helps to change perspective.

3 – I’ve learned patience. Truly. It used to frustrate me {and still does at times, but I’ve learned to let it go} when I’d get interrupted every 4.7 seconds with a question about the book. Mom, why is his shirt red? What’s a bird? How come he’s crying? Can I have a snack? Is it sunny outside? Why is the Yangtze River in China? Is the sky blue?  But, now, I’ve just had to take those deep breaths — the same ones that fill me with joy — and either answer each question or hand signal wait to the little ones as Gracie patiently waits for the next chapter.

4 – It’s taught me what my kids love. Samuel loves tractors. Those are his favorite books. Brennan loves anything with history. Right now we’re studying the American Revolution and he loves to listen to story after story about our Founding Fathers.  Hannah, Chloe and Gracie just love to read. The beauty of reading to them is that it gives you a glimpse into their hearts and the things that they love that you might miss if you just ace though the day without slowing down to sit with them.

5 – It promotes communication. I just finished reading the story of Squanto to my younger kids and we talked so much about the chapters in that book. I knew the ending of the book so I watched Brennan’s face as I read and knew that we’d talk –about family, and God, and importance, and faith. And all that communication makes them curious to read and find out more. Reading opens doors and sparks interest.

6 – It produces readers. I know, this one is one of those stats that’s in the list of every reading stat, but can I just tell you it’s true? My kids love to read. We’re the family at the library that maxes out our card and then owes them $42 because we brought some books back late. It’s okay. I’ve got readers.

How do I incorporate reading into ones day? It must be intentional. Scheduled. I could easily go through my entire day working and being busy and never getting to those moments of reading. So I have it planned, and I am grateful for those beautiful moments of rest with my family.

Now, stop what you’re doing, pick up a book, and go read.