I've only recently started keeping actual logs, and it's quite fun! I also like to look at must-read book lists for ideas and to mark off the ones I've read.
I love this so much! What a wonderful, special ritual. My son too still likes to be read to before bed. Surprisingly he loved the Judy Blume books so it's been fun to revisit those. But now we've read all the "appropriate" ones and he realllllly wants me to read Forever but is that really a book your mom should you? Anyway, you're a great dad!
My son, who is now almost 14, has laid in our bed for his Dad to read to him for at least 12 years. I always read to him when he was a baby, and when Jeremiah's work scheduled allowed him to do bedtime, he took over. They started chapter books when he was about 6, and they've read: The Hobbit, LOTR, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2 series of Warrior Cats (I thought those would NEVER end), the Dragon King series by Stephen Lawhead, Hardy Boys, The Tale of Desperaux, various BJU books, and are now on the Wizard of Oz. (I've probably forgotten some.) As he has gotten older, some nights he decided to just go to bed. On non-school nights he has had fun staying up later. And sometimes he's getting to bad late, so he lays down for a little, but there isn't time to read. We were only able to have one child, and I'm holding on to these moments for as long as I can. Even when they don't read, Benjamin still wants Dad to put him to bed. As teens start asserting their independence, we can forget that they're still children, and are terrified of life, but too grown-up to admit it. Even as I marvel at his majority, there's times he really is still just a little boy inside. And if he needs us to give him that nightly safe space, we are always here
My kids are 3 and 5, and we read together all the time. My wife does more of the bedtime reading. I read with them on the couch at random times of the day. Nothing better than one or both of the kids snuggled up with a book between them.
If you're looking for something new, I've written several middle grade books. They're funny and fast-paced. My goal is to write stuff that parents will enjoy too. You might be able to access them through the library app thingy. I've also written a few Audible Originals that are free for Audible members.
Really enjoyed this, Andrew. Brought back a lot of memories from my own childhood. I hope your son’s Crohn’s is under control and that he’s doing well.
He is doing well, thanks Chris! He has to do infusions every 6-8 weeks which isn’t fun but they are working so things are much, much better for him than a few years ago.
My kids are both good readers and I can't help but feel it is because I read to them aloud from a young age. I wish I could say we read every night but it's not the truth. I wish it were though. A couple of nights every week, the kids and I make time to listen to an audiobook together. We finished the Harry Potter books which began with me reading them aloud but ended with us listening to the audiobooks. I read the first four aloud but my voice also gets tired. After HP we jumped into the Series of Unfortunate Events. After that series I decided to throw in some classic literature. My favorite books I've read to them are Call of the Wild and White Fang. The books are so beautifully written and captivating despite being written over a hundred years ago.
Reading to your kids is a magical experience and as you've said, we may not always feel like doing it, but we should because this time shall pass us by.
Loved this. I miss the days of reading to my girls. But I've saved all our favorite books. Just in case.
Thanks! Definitely have to keep those books around.
I loved this! And the rabbit photo! You have really nice handwriting, by the way. I always wish I kept a list of books I've read too!
Thanks Liz! First time anyone has ever said that about my handwriting lol.
I've only recently started keeping actual logs, and it's quite fun! I also like to look at must-read book lists for ideas and to mark off the ones I've read.
As I write this, I worry that I will offend someone: You managed to, um, avoid the whole Warriors book series (about various cat clans)?
Haha, I’ve never heard of that so… I guess I did!
I suffered through listening to two series of them; longest 12 books of my entire life.
I love this so much! What a wonderful, special ritual. My son too still likes to be read to before bed. Surprisingly he loved the Judy Blume books so it's been fun to revisit those. But now we've read all the "appropriate" ones and he realllllly wants me to read Forever but is that really a book your mom should you? Anyway, you're a great dad!
Thank you! And I just looked up Forever because I wasn’t familiar with it and I’m going to trust your judgment on this one!
So beautiful Andrew.
Thank you!
My son, who is now almost 14, has laid in our bed for his Dad to read to him for at least 12 years. I always read to him when he was a baby, and when Jeremiah's work scheduled allowed him to do bedtime, he took over. They started chapter books when he was about 6, and they've read: The Hobbit, LOTR, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2 series of Warrior Cats (I thought those would NEVER end), the Dragon King series by Stephen Lawhead, Hardy Boys, The Tale of Desperaux, various BJU books, and are now on the Wizard of Oz. (I've probably forgotten some.) As he has gotten older, some nights he decided to just go to bed. On non-school nights he has had fun staying up later. And sometimes he's getting to bad late, so he lays down for a little, but there isn't time to read. We were only able to have one child, and I'm holding on to these moments for as long as I can. Even when they don't read, Benjamin still wants Dad to put him to bed. As teens start asserting their independence, we can forget that they're still children, and are terrified of life, but too grown-up to admit it. Even as I marvel at his majority, there's times he really is still just a little boy inside. And if he needs us to give him that nightly safe space, we are always here
Love this!
My kids are 3 and 5, and we read together all the time. My wife does more of the bedtime reading. I read with them on the couch at random times of the day. Nothing better than one or both of the kids snuggled up with a book between them.
If you're looking for something new, I've written several middle grade books. They're funny and fast-paced. My goal is to write stuff that parents will enjoy too. You might be able to access them through the library app thingy. I've also written a few Audible Originals that are free for Audible members.
Sounds great, Lee! Will definitely check those out!
Really enjoyed this, Andrew. Brought back a lot of memories from my own childhood. I hope your son’s Crohn’s is under control and that he’s doing well.
He is doing well, thanks Chris! He has to do infusions every 6-8 weeks which isn’t fun but they are working so things are much, much better for him than a few years ago.
I’m so glad to hear that!
My kids are both good readers and I can't help but feel it is because I read to them aloud from a young age. I wish I could say we read every night but it's not the truth. I wish it were though. A couple of nights every week, the kids and I make time to listen to an audiobook together. We finished the Harry Potter books which began with me reading them aloud but ended with us listening to the audiobooks. I read the first four aloud but my voice also gets tired. After HP we jumped into the Series of Unfortunate Events. After that series I decided to throw in some classic literature. My favorite books I've read to them are Call of the Wild and White Fang. The books are so beautifully written and captivating despite being written over a hundred years ago.
Reading to your kids is a magical experience and as you've said, we may not always feel like doing it, but we should because this time shall pass us by.
Thanks for sharing, Kristina! So true.