Snuggle Up With a Book

     Life is busy and time consuming.  Parents work, housework needs to be done, children need to be shuffled to sports, lessons, and play dates.  Meals need to be prepared and everyone has to get in bed in time for the day to start again.
     Make getting to bed a fun routine.  Keep it simple and the same each night.  Bath, brush teeth, floss, hugs and kisses, a quiet family minute and MOST IMPORTANT read a book to your children.
     I know everyone is tired, but let each child choose a book.  Snuggle together for a minute and read.  This does not have to be a time when homework is trying to be completed, or the children are reading to put minutes on a school calendar.  This is just "Snuggle and Read" time.

     No matter how hectic and chaotic your life is, just take these 10-20 minutes and read to your children.  It will become a simple routine and one that all will learn to love and enjoy.
     Books are magical, books are peaceful, and books provide a bit of humor, adventure, or fantasy.
     Life can be simple for just 15 minutes.  Read to your children.  They will learn to love books and they will want to read.  Remember reading promotes more reading, language skills, vocabulary skills and a desire to learn more.

     But forget all the educational reasons.  Just snuggle with your children for a few minutes and read.  Relax and enjoy each other.  Children grow up soon enough.