Mindful time reading with your child.
Hi again lovelies! Its Amelia from My Soulful Space and today I would love to take you on a little adventure….an adventure that leaves you with less ‘Stuff’ and more ‘Time’
This is a decluttering adventure that often turns into an afternoon spent sprawled out together on the lounge room floor reading and looking through books. So you may want to make a day of it….and enjoy the process!
In this article I will cover:
The benefits to you AND your child of simplifying your child’s book collection
A step by step guide of which books to declutter, which to keep and creative ways to re purpose or donate unneeded books.
How to create a cozy book nook for your child to enjoy and encourage more reading.
How to encourage an enjoyment of reading at any age
Lets look at simplicity. The benefits of less.
The benefits for your child:
Less choice means LESS overwhelm and MORE focus
Your child will read the same books more often, creating the comfort and safety of repetition and familiarity. (do you remember reading your favourite books over and over as a child? How did this feel?)
Your child can really explore their books, and get to know the characters and themes.
Your child is more likely to treasure and look after their books
The benefits for you:
Less sorting through books to find one that you and your child actually love reading!
Less organising and storing
Having a clearer and more peaceful space
Feeling more calm and at ease
Having more time
Step 1: Gather your child’s books!
Find a nice comfy spot and together with your child, gather all of their books from every part of the house. You will need cushions to sit on, a cup of tea, and some boxes or bags one each for: storing, donating, recycling and repairing
Step 2: Decluttering-What books to let go of
Books that are ripped or have pages missing (unless you love these, then pop them in the box to repair)
Books that you do not enjoy reading to your child for any reason. (you know the ones! Time to let them go once and for all)
Books with unsuitable themes or themes that do not align with your values
Books based on movie or tv characters (unless you and your child really love these and enjoy reading them) as they often take away from your child’s creativity and imagination-lets try to make our children’s toys and books an ‘advertisement free zone’ wherever possible
Books which are not age appropriate (books that your child will grow into can be stored for when they are older)
Books that are too busy or wordy (that create a feeling of stress rather than calm while you are reading them)
Books that your child has shown no interest in, regardless of how much you wish they would!
Step 3: The keep pile-Books to treasure
Sentimental books that have a special meaning to you and your child.
Books your child LOVES reading
Books that look and feel beautiful
Books with beautiful messages and values for your child to learn
Books that are age appropriate and fun
Books that encourage imagination and creativity
Educational books that your child currently shows an interest in.
Step 4: What to do with the books that you no longer need?
Donate books that are in good condition to libraries, child care centres, play groups, community centres or charities.
Gift books to friends or family with children who will love them or who enjoy the topics
Books that are damaged can be repaired (use good quality tape to mend spines and pages) or choose books with cute pictures or nice paper to repurpose into bunting, gift cards, crafts, paper planes, or use your imagination! Pop these books into an art box and this could be another afternoons activity!
Books that are unable to be repurposed or donated can be recycled
Books that you think your child may like as they get older can be stored in boxes or baskets in a cupboard. In a few months you can revisit this box and bring some books out!
Step 5: Create a Book Nook with all your child’s favourite books
Keep only between about 2-5 special books that your child is currently enjoying, in a basket or special box beside a cozy couch, cushion or little teepee tent area. You could ask your child to help you make an area with their favourite things, another fun activity! This will be your child’s reading nook. Do this in any area your child enjoys reading…you will have at least one reading nook in your home but may find spots for another 1 or 2 if you have the space.
Put the rest of the books on a shelf that that is easy for your child to access. These can be swapped out for the books in their reading nook areas every week or so so that your child does not feel overwhelmed
If you feel that you still have too many books out on display, pop some into storage and swap them out every couple of months. Your child will feel excited by the ‘newness’ of these books!
How to encourage an enjoyment of reading at any age:
Allow time to read together with your child from a baby to a teenager. The books might start from ‘hop on pop’ and up at ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’, but I don’t think children are ever to old to read with their parents! If your child is showing no interest at certain times, continue to invite them to read but never add pressure, they will see you enjoying reading and join when they are ready.
Inspire your child by example…make time to read your own books for enjoyment while your child is around and watching you…make it a priority whenever you can. If your child wants to sit next to you with their own book, even better!
Make reading time a special time….get cozy, get a snack and a cuppa and cuddle up.
Create your child reading nook.
Read books that your child enjoys….do not try to read ‘educational’ books or books that are out of your child’s interest. Your child will learn much more just by being immersed in the story and characters, or in a topic that really interests them
Discuss characters and/or pictures with your child as you read. You can do this with children of any age
Allow your child to discover the joys of reading in an organic and fun way. My 4 year old ‘reads’ to herself or her little brother by remembering the story or describing the pictures, and now he does the same. Its important not to interrupt this flow. If your child wants to sit with you and wants your help with reading, do so gently and at their pace…reading should never be a chore but a pure joy!
Enjoy this day, enjoy the adventure of it all…..
And enjoy your Soulful Space,
Amelia x