Starting Them Young

What my parents did to ensure that me and my siblings would read.

I am 22 years old now, although I don't feel like it, and I have to admit, I fell out of reading recently. Like most fellow college students, school took the number one priority, not really giving me enough time to read for enjoyment. However, recently graduating has allowed me to finally get back to what I used to love so much.

When I was younger

When I was younger, my parents used to set me and my siblings off on our own the moment we entered the library front doors. I remember entering and just being so amazed at all the books, the fun posters in the kids room, as well as the fun puppets paired with audio books.

I don't know how many libraries had this, but during the summer my public library would have a summer reading competition. Children, and I believe teens, were given sheets of paper with multiple spots for book titles. After each book, your parents would have to sign off as proof that you actually read the books.

Of course, as a child, I would do anything for a prize. I think the prize would be a ticket to Six Flags Great America. Unlike, I assume, most parents, my parents would have me and my siblings give a short book report as personal proof that we read the books as well as absorbed the story. I honestly think that was the trick to help my siblings and I actually enjoy reading versus seeing it as a chore to win a prize.

I used to read day in and day out as a child, and I know for a fact that it has opened my mind and aided in my creativity. As a whole, my siblings and I are insanely creative. We used to make movies, play with boxes as though they were expensive toys, and write our own stories.

If there is one thing I know for certain I will take from my childhood, I know it is encouraging my children to read. I know there is an event in Iceland there is a tradition of exchanging books before Christmas. I think that is an amazing tradition that I hope to do with my own family.