Are You Sure Your Kid Likes to Read?

Hi Folks-

I thought, in addition to what I'm up to as a writer, I'd also share what I'm up to as a new mother. One of the topics that has come up for me is reading. For obvious reasons, I Lurve Books. Meaning I must have at least three, four books being read in tandem, and then major sadness when a perfect series is over. I think about books all the time and how they apply to my life. I love being surrounded by books. They feel like and incredibly warm hug, like hot chocolate and extra marshmallows on a super cold day.

That being said, I have passed this voracious lurve to my offspring. He LURVES books as well. His library at the age of 1.5 yrs. is reaching a 1/3rd of what his mommy's is at the age of thirty-ahem. . .  :o)  I am so happy about this. During his womb period I would read to him a lot. Post womb there was much more reading. I don't think there has been a day gone by where I haven't read at least one book to him since he could breathe air on his own.

But I don't go around shouting to the world how much my kid loves books. I mean, I'm trying not to become one of those moms who just spouts off everything about their kid. You all know the type. But when I'm at Costco waiting for prescriptions and my kid's got a new book in his hands, people can't help but notice how intent he is. They ask me if he likes to read. And I say yes. But I hold back on how much. It's not necessary. My kid, and I, and his pappy all know how much he lurves to read.

Finally coming to the point of this post. I know I hold back on how much my kid loves to read because it's not necessary to blather out how he goes at his books all the time. But, I get the feeling that there are some folks out there who hype how much their kid actually likes to read. As if there's a competition going on. Maybe they feel that if their kid doesn't like to read they've failed as a parent.

What I'd really like to hear from these parents are, "You're kid likes to read? That's great. I want my kid to love reading more, do you have any tips?" See. Honesty. That simple.

My advice to this. If you want your kids to be passionate about something, be the example.

:o)

An Imperfect Beginning

First, let me say that this isn't the first time I've tried to start a blog. I've actually been super lazy about my past blogs for whatever reason. But now, it feels OK to start again. Like I might actually post with some regularity. Probably because, internally, I've forgiven myself for not being a perfectionist. And have come to embrace the fact that I am a human being with a very full life.

I mention all this because my former self felt this incessant need to always be perfect. Everything, from the folding and placement of my underwear and socks in their respective drawers, to the part in my hair and the way hung behind my ears. But it was the kind of perfect that needed to look like I wasn't trying. The only difference between my former non-perfected self
and that of a Hollywood starlet is 1) I don't have a personal shopper, and I suspect my husband wouldn't want to by my drawers for me, 2) I don't have that kind of cash to burn in order to look 'effortless' 3) I'd probably end up firing my personal trainer and chef for making me work out and eat so healthy. Blahhh!

But I honestly owe my 'who I am' to a little three foot someone who, in Olivia's mommy's words, "Really wares me out, but loves (said person) anyway." So, you little someone, I dedicate this first post to you. You are the miniature replica of your father, but with the determination, stubbornness, and goofy sense of humor of your mother (me). Thank you, with all my heart, for helping me be the imperfect human being I was always meant to be.

I love you!