family book club

My favorite blogs to read are the ones that inspire me to action. I like the DIY blogs where they post projects that I can actually do myself, or art blogs that aren't just pretty to look at but motivate me to get out my own art supplies. And my very favorite are the mothering blogs that make me want to work hard at this most important job. The ones where I think, "I want to do that in my house too."

Some blogs inspire. Some blogs make me feel like I'll never catch up.

My hope is that this is a blog that inspires. And it's why I'm sharing this next idea. Because when I find something that works in our routine I want to shout it from the mountaintops.

Family Book Club began a few weeks ago when the weather got a bit chilly. We got rid of our television last April which didn't really impact us because the weather was turning nice and we started spending our life outdoors again. The impact of not having a tv didn't really hit until that second cold night when Rory looked at me and said, "so what's the plan with the kids from after dinner to bedtime? because we've got to do something with them." And it was true. When we're home all day the final hour stretch can really drag on. Most tricks and toys have been used.

We talked about this idea, and after three weeks of finessing, I think we've got it. And I want to share how it works with you:

1. The name. I think it's so important to name a shared activity. This is true for Quiet Play Time and Family Movie Night. The kids know exactly what those names mean and what to expect during those times. The same is true with this. They know the drill now when we say it's Family Book Club.

2. We have a bin of books that are out all the time (you can see those to the left of the couch). But for Family Book Club we have a tupperware (with a lid!) full of library books that are only to be read during this time. This is key! These are different books from the same old same old. They are books they chose at the library themselves (They each pick 5 books and I pick 5 books...I try to find fun picture books). And best of all, it keeps all of our library books in one place! Praisealuja!

3. At the beginning of Family Book Club Ivar and Elsie choose one book from the bin that we will read aloud. So I read those two books, and then they have to "read" on their own. Which means they look at the pictures and make up their own words. It is adorable to watch. Ivar can stick with it. Elsie sometimes needs to find another quiet activity towards the end. Totally depends on the night.

4. Rory and I have to read too. So far we've been the weakest link. Usually one of us sits there and reads our book, but the actual problem is that suddenly the kids are totally occupied and this frees us to do something else. Which is absolutely not the point, but people, our kids our occupied! And of course, Harriet sometimes isn't into Family Book Club, which can change things up a bit too.

5. And we don't have a set time limit. Usually it goes until bedtime, usually about 20-30 minutes. But it depends on how it's going. I doubt we'll ever set a timer. I don't want it to ever feel like drudgery.

Two weeks in, and it is nothing but awesome. It is a quiet way to wind down the day. It is sweet to all be in the same room for a chunk of time. And it feels right. We all know it's good for kids to see their parents reading...now it's built into our day. So give it a whirl. I hope it works for you too!