Ren Allen

"I am also a book junkie and I found that I was able to give my boys
a love of reading by reading out loud to them.... "

Ok, this is being nitpicky perhaps, so bear with me...
You didn't give them a love of reading. You created an environment
in which a love of reading could potentially unfold. They have an
internal love of reading within themselves.
Some people do, some don't.

Parent's tend to take credit for "giving" their child a love of
something...I like to think of it as bringing out something that is
already within them.:) I'm not picking at you...I just think it's
helpful to examine how we think about passions and learning.

Kay said:
"I guess I'm hoping she will see what joy reading can bring....
someday."

Quit hoping.:)
Maybe that sounds harsh, but you might be clinging to something that
will never happen. Some people don't read for pleasure, and that's
ok. Reading is a bit overrated in our country. Reading as a tool is
really necessary and useful, but as a hobby or interest, only ONE
thing out of a world full of interesting things to pursue. Not
better or worse.
Instead of hoping for her to like reading, maybe just look at the
things she DOES love right now. (I know from your other posts that
you are doing this)....but I think it's helpful to examine our own
desires and motives as they pertain to our children's learning.

It's hard to let go of all that was trained into us...it's just part
of who we are now. But we can shush a lot of those voices and
reactions. Examining our thoughts is one way to decided whether
we're reacting on parental instinct or just old tapes.

I know when my kids want to learn about certain things (esp.
historical) I get all excited inside and I have to ask myself why
I'm still valueing one topic over another. argh.

Ren

multimomma

that's funny Ren,
My hubby and I were just talking about how hard it is to enjoy one thing with the kids, but if
it's something *we* really like, how hard it is to step back and not get overhelpful or
lecturing. I like the suggestion about sitting back and enjoy watching the kids enjoy, that is
the only way I got through our five hour scooby doo spree. That, my lap top and library
books. :-) Just being in the room makes a big difference to my kids, and for me too.

My big enjoyment is science, I was a zoo major, and anything nature related I turn into a
professor. Thankfully i've learned to make one statement and wait for their response. :-P

Melissa

--- In [email protected], "Ren Allen" <starsuncloud@c...> wrote:
> I know when my kids want to learn about certain things (esp.
> historical) I get all excited inside and I have to ask myself why
> I'm still valueing one topic over another. argh.
>
> Ren
>