The most precious moments you will share with your children should be right before bed. Morning time families are rushing and bustling around for work and school. During the day families are separated by distance.

 

Home at last, work, school and activities done, dinner has been enjoyed and homework completed. Your children have had their baths, and are in their warm pajamas.   Then comes a special time for your children, a time when “your” undivided attention, love and devotion are theirs alone. A time that they can count on, as a time in their day-(no matter what kind of day they have had,) that is filled with warmth, comfort, and reassurance through the nighttime ritual of cuddling closely with you and a book.

 

This time with you and a good book is scared; no phone calls are permitted during this time with your child, or children. When your child understands you think cuddling and reading with them is so important you will not let it be interrupted they will have the gift of security. They will know after a long day apart, and no matter what has gone on during the day. The last hour of each day belongs with their parents and a book.

 

If your children are young use a variety of short picture books, soon they will be ready for chapter books. Sharing a chapter book together becomes a conversation topic and memory for you and your child. They also provide an opportunity for heart-to-heart talks, secret shared and confidences born.

 

This time is precious, blissful moments between you and your children are fleeting. Treasure the time with the fierceness of a lion; each night for just a short time the slate is clean, family comes together over a book and love. Lights are turned off the storybook is closed, serenity, and sweet dreams to all.

 

R.R.Cratty

 

 

To help you get started the slide show provides many wonderful books available for families to share aloud.

 

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