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SALT LAKE CITY — Reading is one of the great pleasures of life. There is nothing quite as magical or as therapeutic as opening a new book, the smell of paper and ink, the welcoming whisper of the pages and becoming immersed in the words.
Books can transport a reader to another time, another place, even another world. Books stimulate the mind, the imagination and the heart. Charles W. Eliot wrote, "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."
Mothers who read know the joy of slipping away from the chaos into the pages of a good book. ...And most importantly, mothers who read know the joy of instilling a love for reading in their children.
Mothers who read know the joy of slipping away from the chaos into the pages of a good book. They know the therapy of stimulating their minds with the words from the page. They know the excitement of sharing a good book with others. And most importantly, mothers who read know the joy of instilling a love for reading in their children.
Mothers who read to their children give them an invaluable gift. The Children's Reading Foundation says on its website, "Children who read succeed, in school and in life. The simple act of enjoying books together every day from birth through elementary school establishes essential reading skills while building warm relationships. Your love and time are priceless. The reading skills you nurture are worth a quarter of a million dollars. For every year you read with your child, average lifetime earnings increase by $50,000. You make a $250,000 gift to your child by reading aloud just 20 minutes a day!"
Reading to our children is a practical pursuit designed to help them succeed in life, but it is also one of the simple joys of motherhood. Some of the most precious moments are found snuggled together on the couch, a precious little body pressed close, a delicious book in hand. And one of the greatest triumphs is seeing a child pick up a book on their own, their eyes alight with the joy of reading.
Friday Fun for Kids at the King's, May 13, 4 p.m.
Summer Reading with JCC Early Childhood Center, May 17, 7 p.m.
The Matter of Words Exhibit, BYU MOA, April 8 through Nov. 26
Utah Festival of Books, June 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more events, check out the links on my blog: book-matters.blogspot.com
If you know of an upcoming book event, please leave a comment on my blog.
Reading for personal pleasure is also important to many mothers. Reading provides a much-needed escape from the day-to-day demands of motherhood. It provides relaxation, stress relief and mental rejuvenation.
Reading a good book is also exercise for the mind. It stimulates the right side of the brain, helping to free the flow of thought and creativity. In an article titled "7 Benefits of Reading Fiction," author Jill Brennan wrote, "Rejuvenating reading is an easy and quick way to nourish your soul because it is for the most part a solitary pursuit. And being alone, or at least alone in your thoughts, on a regular basis is crucial to maintaining a sense of self. As I'm sure you know, it's easier to give to others when you feel fulfilled and your needs are met. Even just a few minutes of reading can keep you going throughout the day."
A mother who reads for her own pleasure does more than benefit herself, she also provides a powerful example to her children that reading is a life-long, enjoyable pursuit.
"Book Matters" is a weekly column for moms who read and want their children to read too. This will be a trusted resource, based on high standards. Every book listed will be a fun, thoughtful choice with notes on content when applicable.
Each week, mothers will find a wealth of information on good books for themselves and children of all ages, book activities, book events for families and much more. Some of the upcoming articles include "Enjoy a sunny book-cation this summer," "Summer reads for kids of all ages," "Non-fiction fiction fans will love," "Best books to read after the kids go to bed," "Bring a book to life: reading and activity," "Top 10 must have board books," "Boys read differently — non-fiction they'll devour" and more.
Motherhood matters. It's an endless, exhausting job but the one that produces the most rewards. Books matter. They keep us sane, keep us smart and bring our families together. And nothing matters more than our families.
Check in each week and spend some time reading and thinking about books and motherhood, two of the best things on the planet (well, maybe next to warm brownies).
Next week: Enjoy a sunny book-cation this summer
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Teri Harman writes and reads from home amid the chaos of three young children.
For more book reviews and book fun, visit her blog at book-matters.blogspot.com
