My son has always loved reading. If he had it his way we would read at least 20 books before bed each night. But this love for reading didn’t happen overnight. From the first night I brought him home from the hospital I’ve been reading stories like I’ll Love You Forever, You Are Special, and Dr. Seuss’s classic Mr. Brown Can Moo. After being in the womb for so long hearing my voice was soothing to him. He loved hearing the different cadences as I read his favorite stories. My mother instilled a love of reading in me and now I am instilling that same love of reading in my son.
As a single mom it may seem difficult to find time to read to your children every night. After you get home there are a million little things to do around the house. The kids are hungry, they need a bath, dishes need to be done, laundry needs to be folded, and all you can think about is when it is your turn to crawl under the covers. While there are many things that need to be done, it is important that you take the time to do this small thing with your children. Make reading a priority in your home. If the kids see how important reading is to you they will see how important it is for them. Make this a special time for the kids. Let each one choose their own story to read before bed.
If your kids are a little older talk to them about what books they are reading at school. Ask questions and show interest in what they are reading. Get excited about their stories. The more excited you are about their reading the more excited they will be to tell you about it. Make reading an enjoyable time for both you and your kids. They’re never too old for a bedtime story!