Readers Take Heart: Yes, You Are a Reader

You don’t think you're a reader?

Well then, grab a cup of joe, sit back, enjoy, and let me offer five ways that you are a model reader for your kids. Not just sometimes, but every day.

Feel free to add yours in the comments … can we get this list to 25?

#5. You were thumbing through the Sunday sales pages and shouted “THAT’S what I want … and it’s on sale!”
Your teenager turned around and asked you what you’re talking about, so you showed them a picture of that must-have item … and pointed out the regular and sale prices.

#4. If one more envelope lasts on that pile of mail it is going to land on the floor. Fun or not, you’ve got to open those bills.
As you’re reading, the kids breeze in and out of the kitchen … constantly interrupting your effort with “watcha doin’ mom? can I have a snack?”

They spotted you reading!

#3. You’re standing in line at the DMV, waiting your turn, kids in tow. To help pass the time, you decide to pull out the smart phone and check your email.
When you start laughing at the joke Aunt Mae sent you, the kids see what you’re doing, give you "the look," and whisper “ssshhh mom, you’re embarrassing us.” If you've got the younger ones in tow, they'll be staring up at you asking for something .... all the while spotting you reading.

#2. It’s been a long week. No pots, pans, or dinner dishes for you … it’s time for some family dining out.
The eight-year-old is self conscious doesn’t want to order from the “baby menu,” but she gets stuck on some of the words on the ‘big menu.’ So you walk through the items together and read the descriptions for the pictures she points to.



#1. You are traveling with your kids and after a short outburst, you hear ...“What’s wrong, Mom?” from the backseat.

So you’re left to explain that you were going to Paradise, and even though it was written in big, bold letters, you missed the exit.

So what do you think?

Being a reader doesn’t mean you are - or have to be - a bookworm.  Readers are who we are ... its something that we do without thinking about it (like breathing, for example).

So congratulations! Stand up and shout! Celebrate the reader you are. Here are more ways to celebrate as we work toward 25 examples ... heck let's make this 26, one for each letter of the alphabet.

A. From Maria @ Once Upon a Story: You're a master in the kitchen. You can follow any recipe and produce a delight straight from Julia Child's kitchen.

B. From Eric VanRaepenbusch @ Happy Birthday Author: You buy a new board game as a gift for one of your children and they immediately want to play. You say, "Hold on, let me READ the instructions."

C. From Eric VanRaepenbusch @ Happy Birthday Author: Your kids get an online code for a new website and together you work through all the steps of the registration form to get them eligible to play.

D. From Eric VanRaepenbusch @ Happy Birthday Author: Unpacking your child's book bag you find the school newsletter and together you talk about all the upcoming events.






Image credits: Wikipedia - Exit Sign; Wikipedia - Restaurant; Piled Under, cogdogblog; Target Row, Diamondduste; Wikipedia - Smart Phones