Making Time For Story Time

Keep a good selection of books on hand so time isn't wasted choosing suitable material. Likewise, encourage kids to make selections earlier in the day, so time isn't wasted deciding exactly what to read. Set a time or length limit, one chapter or a twenty minute session, per evening. Take books to read aloud when visiting the doctor or anywhere you expect to wait for any length of time. Other children, and their parents, will be glad you did. Read to your kids while on long trips. It will help make the time pass quickly and pleasantly.

For parents with extremely busy lives, consider staking out a special time to read aloud with your family. Try using Sundays, long weekends or while celebrating special holidays. This could become a new family tradition in your household. Read bible stories for Christmas or Easter, birthday tales for birthdays. What about while spending family vacations together? The idea is only limited by your imagination. Tape yourself reading out loud for them to hear your voice while you're away. This is fabulous for working mothers or fathers whose work takes them away from home frequently.

Make use of book tapes for those times when you really are too busy to read to your kids. You shouldn't feel guilty resorting to book tapes. They are an excellent resource available from your local library. While you're there check out what time they hold story reading activities. It'll give you a moment to catch your breath and perhaps find something you've been wanting to read yourself. Maybe, if your kids are old enough, you could read it to them. Now that would be really using your time well.

Heather Goldsmith © 2000

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