During this process, I’ve learnt that cultivating a love of life-giving books in our children, is as simple as exposing them to, creating fond memories with, and overall, loving books together. Our children naturally imitate our behaviours; when they see that we prioritise reading, they themselves will understand that it is a gift and worthy of their time.
RENEE EMERSON
How do we cultivate a love for everything that is true, honourable, right, admirable, pure, and excellent in our children?
In a world with so much ugly to behold, I love to create a truly beautiful atmosphere to grow our children. I’ve found all I need to do to help the admiration of all that is lovely, is just to surround the children with lovely books, lovely conversation, lovely music and most of all, lovely memories.
Being a book lover myself, I’ve prayed fervently for my children in the hopes that they will themselves, develop a passion for reading. But not just any books, good books. The right books. God honouring, life-giving, adventure filled, faith encouraging, lovely, beautiful books. Books where the characters display bravery, courage, faith and chivalry. Books where the characters are so well developed that we become fast friends. Books that provide a caution, a moral lesson, an adventure into another world or simply elevate the beauty and simplicity found in every day life.
Our poetry and read-a-loud morning tea time is my favourite part of every day. We set the table, make hot tea and delicious snacks, we read our daily poetry and a chapter from whichever delightful story we’re currently reading. We usually have at least two chapter books on the go at once to keep everyone interested. Currently we’re in the middle of Black Beauty & A Little Princess, having just finished Farmer Boy and Heidi in term 1. Despite every book being so different, each child becomes deeply interested in something we’re reading, and books have become like treasures to them.
During this process, I’ve learnt that cultivating a love of life-giving books in our children, is as simple as exposing them to, creating fond memories with, and overall, loving books together. Our children naturally imitate our behaviours; when they see that we prioritise reading, they themselves will understand that it is a gift and worthy of their time. My oldest daughter said to me recently, “Mummy, when I’m bigger I can’t wait to join your book club!”. My happy heart swelled knowing that she cherishes the gift of a good book as much as I do. 
If you don’t know where to begin, simply find a comfortable spot in your home, settle your little one on your lap (or if like me, your lap isn’t big enough, set the table with tea and snacks) and simply open a good book and read a chapter, (or two!) and watch as your little one blossoms into an avid reader. 
