summer reading – rules to keep you sane
Okay, so the title says RULES but we’re all adults, and as any parent knows, rules usually end up being guidelines anyway.
At Girls in the Stacks.com, we’re all three busy moms with kids ranging in age from 2 to 10. So, here’s how I get my summer reading in without losing my mind. Like when your kids are fighting over whose turn it is on the Wii, or flinging watermelon from the high chair?
1. We officially give you permission *ding* (a fairy wand just bonked your head) to NOT finish any book that bores you. I used to be a grit-your-teeth and plow through it kind of girl, but enough is enough. If you can’t finish War and Peace, it’s okay – buy the Cliff Notes and bluff your way through book club. Then pull out that romance novel with the dog-eared pages you keep in the nightstand.
2. Read your kids’ books. Not only are they shorter, some of them are just as interesting and entertaining as adult novels. Middle grade and YA novels are a staple in my stack. But be warned – my daughter will sometimes bring me a book and say “You GOTTA read this!” She’s uuuusually right, except for the time she brought me Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nugget (warning – seriously gross.) As I remember, it went over really well with her brother.
3. It’s okay if you don’t like vampire books. (insert GASP!) Or biographies. Or thrillers. Read what appeals to YOU. Otherwise, you may end up going back to Rule #1 and bonking yourself on the head repeatedly with that fairy wand.
4. “If it’s free, it’s for me,” is a favorite saying of one of my friends. That’s why I looooooove my local library! Our local public library offers story time, summer reading programs, movies, etc. While they are happily entertained, I am usually getting my People magazine fix (because I am too cheap to subscribe). The only thing missing is a margarita. Sigh.
5. Two words – audio books. My library has audio books online available for download, so I can download them to my ipod and be listening at the park, the pool, at home doing laundry! This is much better than listening in the car or home stereo, because my kids (99.9% of the time) are in the car or home with me. ‘Cuz let’s face it, most grown up books are a LOT inappropriate for kids. Especially the vampire–thriller-biographies. Just saying.
STACKGirl Nancy – who really, really loves her kids but appreciates them more when they are in school.
Very cuuuuuute!!!!!! I love you Nancy!
I love your comments about not being obligated to finish a book. Life is too short to trudge through a book that doesn’t appeal to you and there are so many other books to try. Here’s to a summer of fantastic reading that you can out down!
PURE AWESOMENESS!!! Every time I read it, which has been about 10, I laugh! Thanks for these tips!
<3
Ha ha ha! I can’t imagine someone not liking a vampire book, a thriller yes, but vampire no! But alas to each his own, right?
Summer only started a few weeks and I’m already struggling. I am ready for school to start again! My girls are 2 and 6 and they’re fighing all the time since my older one is always home. With me, the nights are mine. Even though it still means no sleeping in, my kids still go to be at 8. I read every, single night when they’re in bed. It’s my time. I need it and I think I’m a better mom during the day because of it too. I know that I will always have time time. I don’t clean, fold clothes or anything after 8.
Oh, and I agree with Stacy. People don’t like vampires?? LOL
Another thing, I’m learning to not feel I have to finish a book too. There are too many out there and my time if valuable.
Totally off topic, but I can’t figure out how to upload a picture to this account. Heck, I don’t even know what kind of account I created to post here. LOL. I just filled it out and now I’m always logged in when I come back. Help?
Kelley
(who is slightly embarassed)
Kelley, don’t feel bad, obviously I haven’t figured it out either!