It's not unusual for parents and children to bond over common interests. You'll see outdoorsy parents get their kids into scouting, for example. Active parents often share their favorite sports with their children.
Whether you're a little more of an introverted, bookish parent or you simply want to find something new to share with your child, sharing books is a beautiful way to bond and get to know one another. The beauty of sharing a joy of reading is that it's something you can share for a lifetime, no matter where life takes you.
Sharing your childhood favorites with your kids will give them insight into who you are and who you've been in the different stages of your life. It can lead to conversations that are humorous, heartfelt, and hard. It may have its ups and downs, but choosing to share your childhood favorites with your kids can be a really rewarding and bonding experience.
Set Your Expectations
Of course, part of you wants your kids to love the same things you love, and books are no exception to that feeling. Initially, however, it might be hard to get your kids interested. They may look at an outdated title or cover art and be dismissive, or the opposite could happen and they could be let down by something they thought they'd love.
It's important as parents to remember that it is your child's reader journey, and you can't exert too much guidance. Just trust the process.
Be Open to Some Different Rules
You may already have rules around reading in your house, but when exploring these books, you also may want to explore some different rules. Be open to more breaks, co-reading, and other arrangements to engage your child. Consider sharing books at a certain time, like every Saturday morning. See what gets your children more interested and creates a more connected experience.
Don't Discourage Kids From Reading What They're Interested In
As you share books with your kids, remember that your favorites shouldn't take priority over the books your kids pick out for themselves. Encouraging kids to explore titles rather than waiting for books to be recommended to them helps build good, lifelong reading habits.
Know When the Book Isn't Working
Your kids are bound to dislike a book you share every now and then. As a parent, it's important to make sure they don't feel badly about that. Tell them that you appreciate them trying and being open to something new, even if they don't want to read it to the end.
Talk About the Hard Things
Older books can be full of things that don't square with today's readers. There's racism, homophobia, gender stereotypes, and much more. Talk about hateful language, dated concepts, and stereotypes, why and how they could have appeared in the book, and how those ideas have changed over time. Don't shy away from tough subjects, or you could lose your captive audience.
It's OK If They Make Fun of It
All readers' criticisms are valid, even when they're clowning on your tastes. The reality is that your kids might find your beloved Judy Bloom or R.L. Stine titles a little corny. Don't get down on them for poking fun. It's still engaging with the text, even if it's not in the way you expect.
Enjoy It for What It Is
Maybe you will have a beautiful experience sharing books with your kids. It's also possible it doesn't go as well as planned. Don't go too deep into expectations and accomplishments, and think more about time spent together and making memories.
Keep It Going No Matter What
Life happens. Your kids develop their own friends, their own interests. They may not live with you all the time; they may go away to college. The beautiful thing is that you can recommend books and read together, even when you're apart.
