So off we went...Once inside the hushed room, I put my little ones on earphones at the computers, keyed in age appropriate audio books and tip toed back to my table. The simulated mommy would read with expression, while I checked off my busy work.
GREAT IDEA!!! RIGHT?
My three-year-old
didn’t think so. This tot had approximately 25 questions during his audio story
and I my frustration meter escalated underneath my mommy smile.
Impatience surfaced in
my chest.
Impatience is my
signal that my priorities are self-centered and off. A quick assessment of the
situation proved I had misplaced priorities. He was right...I really
should have been the one reading to him, not the cold computer. There
is certainly a time for an audio book at the computer in his day, but it cannot REPLACE my time with him...which is what I was doing.
“I just want YOU to
read me the book, while I SIT IN YOUR LAP, Mommy!”
So story time with
Mommy is story time with Mommy…at home, on the couch, with favorite books and
lots of snuggles.
The little ones learn
that they are valuable, important and loved during this sweet time.
The older ones who prefer NOT to sit on my lap anymore (I can't imagine what's wrong with my lap!) read alone in their rooms during this time. They still LOVE to talk about what they are reading because sharing books together is a lifestyle we enjoy. Discussing books provides a common bond and challenging discussions at times.
Soul Shaping
Challenge: Nothing can replace story time with Mommy. Kids learn to value books
and LOVE time with Mommy when the two are combined in a sweet way. If your kids
are older now, you can still read to them. Simply find a book that would
interest them and go for it. These moments tie heart strings.
