Summer is here! Long, hot afternoons call for a cool house, a shady tree, or a good book—perfect companions for those lazy summer days. Parents often want their children to read to keep their learning skills sharp. A great book can make all the difference.
Homes where children are read to and see their parents reading regularly foster a love for books. Libraries host summer reading programs, and families can create their own reading challenges and celebrations. With so many activities available during summer, it’s easy to overschedule and feel overwhelmed. Instead, consider slowing down and making reading a daily ritual.
Take time to read. In our front yard, large trees on the east side provide ample afternoon shade. When my children were young, we’d take a refreshing walk in the canyon, then spread a blanket under the flowering plum tree, where I’d read aloud to them. For years, we participated in library reading challenges. Eventually, we crafted our own family reading goals and celebrations.
How’s your “shelf life” (reading)? Embrace the season and carve out time for books.
5 Summer Reading Tips for Moms...
1. Take time to read from the scriptures each day, even if it is just fifteen minutes!
2. Choose short stories or concise classics, like Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
3. Read aloud to your children. When my kids were young, I felt guilty taking time to read for myself beyond scriptures. So, I read books I enjoyed aloud to them. They could draw, build, or work on small projects while listening. Read aloud, even as your children grow older and can read on their own.
4. Take reading outdoors. Spread a blanket, lounge in a hammock, gather the kids, and read together.
5. Celebrate reading! Join a library reading program or create a family challenge. Lead by example to inspire your children. Celebrations can be simple—think s’mores, roasting hot dogs, making homemade ice cream, or watching a movie based on a book you’ve read.
Enjoy the Journey!
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