As a child, I absolutely loathed reading. My parents never seemed to show much interest in reading either. Now, however, I can devour a 400 page book in less than two days. (Though, you wouldn’t want to see what my house looks like at the end of those two days.) When I asked myself what has changed over the past few years regarding my reading habits, I realized two things.

Number one,  I now hang around other people that enjoy reading, and it’s evident they have a passion for it. Number two, I realized that for many years I tried to read a specific book just because someone else said it was a good book, instead of finding books that really peaked my interest.

Now, even though at times I’m forced to read things that are not particularly interesting to me, I find that because I’m in the habit of reading regularly, it makes those few things easier to read. Therefore, where my children are concerned, my goal is to help them develop early reading habits that they can carry with them throughout their lives.

So, how do you capture your children’s interest in reading? First, it’s essential for them to learn that reading not only plays a vital part in increasing knowledge, but also provides a way to relax, explore and escape. Secondly, you must inspire them to make reading a substantial part of their lives.

How do you inspire them?

1. While your children are young begin reading to them on a regular basis. Ask them questions and make comments as you go to help keep their attention focused. Get excited about what is taking place in the story. They will key off of your enthusiasm.
2. Let them see you reading. It is a well-known fact that kids learn best by example, especially when they are young. Most children desire to be just like their parents. By letting them see you enjoy reading, it will help them to have that same desire, because if Mom and Dad are reading, then it must be something of value.
3. Help your children pick out books that they might enjoy. Think about their interests and hobbies. Try to find books relating to those interests.
4. If your local library or bookstore has a kid’s story time, get your child involved. This will help them see that other children are interested in books and stories also.
5. Don’t limit your children’s reading choices to storybooks. You might also consider poetry or educational magazines.
6. Stay interested in what your children are reading. Make sure that once they are old enough to read for themselves that you are aware of what they are reading, and let them know that you are still interested.

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

– Sir Richard Steele

This quote pretty much sums up the importance of reading. It is imperative that we never stop reading and that we instill in our children its value, because reading good books helps keep our minds alive and healthy.

So, let’s go snatch up a good book and start reading together with our children.

How do you inspire your kids to grab a book?

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Posted on March 13th, 2009 in Kids and Family | No Comments

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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I’m off today, but you are welcome to browse my site. On Thursday’s, I’m giving myself a little break and spending extra time with my family.

Please check back tomorrow, as I will be here bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. You are still more than welcome to leave any comments or suggestions. This is a great time to let me know what kinds of things you would like to see discussed on Mommy’s Idea Book. I would love to hear your ideas.

Thanks again for stopping by. I’m off to play!!

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Your menu is ready and it’s time to put together your grocery list. Sounds simple enough, right? Okay, well here’s the deal. When you’re trying to shop with kids, the primary objective is to get what you need and get out as speedily as possible. So, why not make finding your grocery items super easy and quick.

You may assume that you have two basic methods for creating your list. The first is to just write your list in any order, and the second is to use some kind of pre-made checklist that is broken down by department. What about a third option? Create your list based on the aisles in your store.

Yes, this will take some time initially, but the rewards are worth it. The idea is to organize your grocery list based on the aisles in your store, not necessarily on the departments. This way you shop by going straight down your list instead of up and down or back and forth as you would with either of the first two methods I mentioned.

How it’s done

• While shopping at your supermarket, start making notes as you go down each aisle as to what kind of grocery items are located on that particular aisle.
• At home, begin to compile an organized and in order aisle list based on your notes. This is the listing you will use while creating your grocery list.
• After a few weeks, you should be able to make your grocery list based on the order that you come to the items in your store.

The result

Because your list is ordered by aisle, you are able to go directly to the aisles on which those specific grocery items are located. In turn, you limit impulsive buying because you are only going down necessary aisles. Having this plan makes getting in and out of the grocery store a breeze, and when you have little ones with you, that’s exactly what you need.

My strategies for simplifying menu planning and grocery shopping have definitely made my life easier, and I hope that they can do the same for you.

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Posted on March 11th, 2009 in Home and Organization | 8 Comments

(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)

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