Surviving Parenthood

by Kirk Kraft

Kirk Kraft of Marysville is married and the father of four children, all under 8 years old, in whom he takes great delight. He believes parenting is a journey filled with joyous peaks and difficult valleys, but it is also the greatest privilege in the world. He can be reached at kraftka@verizon.net.

One of the most enjoyable times in our home is when we sit down and read with our kids. This is part of our bedtime routine in the evening, but also happens throughout the day.

Both my wife and I grew up as avid readers ourselves and have maintained the love of books to this day. Our kids have all enjoyed listening to us read since they were very young. Naturally, they have their favorite stories and we read these often. But they have also begun exploring different stories they discover on the library bookshelves.

The size of our own book collection has grown in the past few years and includes everything from Seuss to Curious George to Winnie the Pooh. Reading can open up an enormous world of imagination you can't find anywhere else. It is where you can take a trip around the world in a hot air balloon, walk in the woods with wild animals, or make friends with an entire cast of lovable people and creatures. Television paints the picture for you. Reading lets you paint the picture.

In my experience, reading is really the birthplace of imagination, especially for young children. Kids have bright little minds that can conjure up a make-believe companion or create a kingdom where they are kings or queens. Reading helps expand their minds.

Of course, as they get older and move through their school years, reading is a vital tool in learning and comprehending different levels of knowledge. If you can get kids interested in reading at a young age and encourage them to read on their own when they can, you will be amazed at what happens. The more they see and hear mom or dad read, the more interested they become and, with positive feedback on what they read, kids are motivated to read even more.

My oldest daughter is finishing first grade and has been improving her reading skills all year. Frankly, there are few things more wonderful to hear than the sound of a young child reading. The joy of reading begins early and she has no doubt been somewhat motivated by our own love of books.

How can you get your child interested in reading in this over-the-top, information-at-your-fingertips-instantaneously culture? Just pick up a book and begin reading. Soon, you can accompany them on their journey that will lead to a lifetime love of reading.

Make the effort and take the time to read at least twenty minutes a day with your children and you will be richly rewarded.