Somewhere along this crazy path called parenting, our kids have developed a love of reading.
I think it first started when we tricked them into thinking they loved reading by threatening to take away a book if they continued an undesirable behaviour.
If someone was drawing on the floor I would shout, “Stop writing on the floor or I’ll take away your favourite book!”
The child thought to themselves, “I didn’t even know I felt so strongly about my books until this moment but I sure wouldn’t want to lose any if my Mom feels this strongly to incorporate their removal in one of her rants” and the floor graffiti stopped.
“Don’t torment your little sister or I won’t let you read in bed tonight.”
Child thinks, “I hadn’t planned on reading in bed tonight but I sure hate the idea of someone telling me I can’t” and the teasing came to an abrupt halt.
Almost eleven years have passed since we first became parents and Hanna (our oldest) asked me about a month ago if we would consider buying her a very special present for passing grade five.
Everybody passes grade five but that’s a discussion for another day.
When I asked her what this very special gift was I assumed it started with the word Minecraft and ended with the words Minecraft worlds, Minecraft access, more minutes in Minecraft, Minecraft muffins.
She asked if I would buy her the book “The Fault In Our Stars.”
Huh.
She was very specific, “I don’t mean on my Kobo, I want the real book so I can have the pages and everything. Will you think about it?”
Hanna had a busy weekend at a swim meet and I had some time to check out the book at Chapters and ask if it would be appropriate for a ten year old.
The very helpful sales associate explained that it was beautifully written and a lovely read.
Sold.
I had the book gift-wrapped (because it was free) and left it on her bed Saturday night as an early “Surprise Graduation!” gift. (The gift was the surprise, not the graduation. As I mentioned, everybody passes today, everybody)
Last night she came to me with tears in her eyes, hugged me and said, “Thanks for the book Mom. I’m done. It was the best book I’ve ever read.”
I’m so happy she’s found this love for reading so young.
It was a pleasant distraction after I had to explain to Chloe that the money I gave her to donate at school was for Diabetes and not Rabies as she had mistakenly told everyone.
