Reading to kids or telling pretend stories to your kids or grandkids is becoming a lost art. It’s not that we don’t think it’s important. There isn’t a parent on the planet who doesn’t see the importance and relevance of reading stories or telling bedtime stories to their kids. It’s just that we’re on the clock. We’ve got things to do, people to see, places to go, so who’s got time for ancillary activities? And there is the problem. When did we start looking at story time as an extra, add-on, low priority activity? Every one of us priority sorts each activity on our calendar. That’s because we know you can’t survive a single day without focus. It’s that ability that makes us effective at work or efficient in our day-to-day routine. That being said, what method do you use to set your priorities? Pressure from a boss or a deadline can permanently set your priorities away from your family and aim them directly at the bottom line. Whatever that is.
I get it. There’s a balance, an ebb and flow, but relationships should trump just about everything else. Jesus was always getting in hot water with the leaders of the day when he chose relationships over rules or policies, timelines or ought-tos. My kids, years ago, and now my grandkids, are always badgering me to tell them a story. That’s hard work. You have to get creative. You have to use your imagination… you know… that thing that delights you when you see it in your kids or grandkids? It might surprise you how much easier story telling or story reading becomes with practice.
Did you know that deep within the mind and heart of your kids, your story telling just might be the highlight of their day? You’re smart. You know this. Come on, admit it. You enjoy a good story as much as your kids. Even if you’re not good at animating a book or, God forbid, making up a story from scratch, go ahead a try. It will make their day. Yours, too!