August 2022 Book List & "The Magic Pill of Parenting"

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Recently I have been doing some research for a project. Basically, I have been reading about the benefits of well, reading. I've been particularly interested in my children's generation (dubbed Gen Z) and their inclination to read. And because I'm a Millennial mama, wouldn't you know it, I did a quick google search. The stats are pretty telling. Overall the youngsters are largely tech-savvy, smart phone wizzes but rather book daft.* GenZ kids certainly know how to read but it's the desire to read that is acutely way down.

This really should not be too surprising. It's the human default to do what is easy. The modern culture is so filled with quick, painless entertainment that it's no question reading and reading-aloud as a family are increasingly becoming legitimate past times. Reading is hard work. Especially if you've never done it to the point where it becomes enjoyable.
But let us not conflate hard and bad.

I've found that regularly reading aloud to my children has made parenting more enjoyable. It can change my mood, stop a meltdown(mine or the kids'. haha) and help us all to refocus on what is truly good. What is worth dwelling on. Stories often possess the ability to teach children where parental lectures may fall short.
A common mantra in our house is that an attitude of gratitude is important and also the right way of thinking. I am regularly attempting to convey to my girls that our lives and our fortunate circumstances have been brought forth by our good God. We did not choose to be born into the wealthiest country in the world. We did not get to pick our health or even our caring, involved grandparents.

And sure my girls are mostly listening to me, but recently when I read aloud from "Hero Tales" I noticed a pivot in mindset. The book told the( true historical) narrative of young girls in pantheistic cultures being sold to live in the temples and be raised by the "gods" because their parents were so miserably poor. After reading I noticed one of my girls eyes blur with tears. She rightly recognized that she could have been one of those little girls and that she could be living that life. And thus it sunk in how good she has it, how much she has been given. Life truly is a gift. Reading and walking in someone else's shoes can remind us of that truth.

Beyond gratitude and changed perspectives, reading aloud encourages family connections. Time well redeemed in our lives and our children's. It communicates to our kids: "I'm here with you, you matter, let's enjoy the good in the world together." Simple yet profound. So so important in today's world.

Jim Trelease author of the Read aloud Handbook says this: “People would stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars if there were a pill that could do everything for a child that reading aloud does.  It expands their interest in books, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention span.  Simply put, it’s a free “oral vaccine” for literacy.”

Reading stretches us to think hard. To become aware of the human condition. That we are in need of a rescuer. Reading develops empathy and reminds us why we value freedom, bravery and relationships. Fiction too. Fiction in reality, is a catalyst for truth. Living happily ever after with the author of life is after all, imprinted on the human heart and foretold in the greatest, true book. * The divinely inspired word of God.
Start small (Just 10 mins a day will make a difference in the lives of our kids) and with snacks!
Mama's List

God has used author Sarah Mackenzie to change the course of my motherhood and my homeschool. If you know her, you know. 

Just this past week I am learning more about the slow creep of New Age ideas and progressive Christianity. Alicia Childers brilliantly points out the error of so many false biblical teachers. A must read for any evangelical Christian.

Fun and endearing. But on a serious note, marriage is to be cherished and cultivated. I love co-authors Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer's stories and their heart for biblical marriage.

Read Aloud 

I never read fantasy to my girls. Dad usually has that covered. This book came highly recommended and my expectations may have been just a teensy high. Still, I've been able to draw out some pretty good conversations like: "Is rebelling against authority ever a good thing?



















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