My heart stopped for a moment, horrified, because we don't treat books like that, and because we're trying to sell the house and we have to keep it clean, clean, clean. I got over it quickly. Who can be angry at children who like to read?
Apparently, Mini Engineer had been looking for a specific book. A book he couldn't find because I had pulled several books and toys out and hid them. When we take the three day drive to Denver we'll have things for the kids to play with in the car that they haven't seen in months and hopefully won't get bored with quickly.
I sat down and read them some stories. After all, my kids are more important than a clean house or painting the last of the trim.
I love that they love to read. I love that they have favorite books that they just HAVE to find. But, I'm sure I'll love it more when they learn to clean up afterwards.
Love your thinking! I couldn't agree more...time with kids trumps everything. And taking time to read is the best time spent.
ReplyDeleteOf course, they should clean up after and I'm sure the child who did it knows that too..
ReplyDeleteAh, but it's really annoying trying to find something! I would be too upset to clean up. :) Great they are keen readers.
ReplyDeleteLovely decision, Sara! I love kids who love to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zan. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an awesome way to handle it :) And kids who read are the best!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cute that they love to read so much! Messes can bother me, but at least it was a mess for a good reason.
ReplyDeletelol, so gorgeous. It's wonderful that you've nurtured in them that love of reading.
ReplyDeleteMy kids shelves look like that a lot and I LOVE it! Besides the cleaning up part... Hahaha. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Sara!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I LOVED this post because the same has happened to me... even with my "grownup" books that I keep on a low shelf...
But I absolutely agree... I could have freaked out (and I wanted to.. a little... there was such a mess!!) but I would hate that my three boys would EVER think that "real" books should never be touched or held...
PS: Good on you for thinking old school (having books/toys for the road trip :)
"Break a leg" and drive safely :)
Spesh,
ReplyDeleteI spent 3 years as a teacher-librarian. I knew the books the kids loved by their worn out look-wrinkled pages, spine pulling away, stains. It meant I needed to buy more copies of the book. Wonderful that your joy of the written word is being shared with a new generation.
My babies used to do that to their board books. My oldest would pull them all down and sit in them while he looked at book after book. Made my heart happy.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think your priorities were right on. Reading is such a gift to young children. As a former teacher, I know how impoverished a life is for one who cannot read or who never can afford books. Keep reading to them.
ReplyDeleteAww, you're right, nothing better than a shelf that's been messed up cos the books are being read :-)
ReplyDelete