Once upon a time…

I was reading some library books to my kids the other night. Some of the books were intentional picks, others were random. I like to do that, then we read them and decide which ones we like and which ones we don’t. It’s interesting to see what’s a hit and what’s not.

One of the random books I picked was called, “I Like Me.” By Nancy Carlson. It’s the story of a fabulous pig who is in touch with her awesomeness. She looks at herself in the mirror everyday and says, “Hi Good-looking!” Then she says, “I love my curly tail, and my round tummy!” As far as I’m concerned, that book was written specifically for me. I need to hear that message almost more than my kids do. It’s a reminder of how to be happy, how to honor yourself.

Kid’s books just cut to the chase that way. In plain easy language, they speak the truth. It really can be that simple… “I like me” “Let’s share” “When I make mistakes, I keep trying.” “I love me no matter what.”

I love getting those little reminders. Reading books to kids is a little like going to a wedding in that sense. It’s a reminder of what is truly important. Like a wedding is a little vow renewal for the guests – Reading books to kids is a reminder of basic emotions of kindness. We need to stir up those feelings in order to keep them present.

“I like me.” Yes I do.

The end

I’m pretty rigid about bedtime reading. We try to read every night before lights out. But, it’s not easy. Like tonight, I’m exhausted. Not much sleep last night. But here’s what I know: Reading at night is awesome, It’s an “I love you.” Because, no matter how crappy the day was. No matter how badly behaved and cranky the kids or I can be…It all goes away when they put their little heads on my shoulder. It’s one of the only times that my kids are in repose and I love it.

Reading doesn’t always happen though. If there have been tantrums, or we are just beyond tired, forget it. Give ‘em the old heave-ho and off to bed. There are nights I need that, they need that, and I get a big fat glass of wine.

But for the most part, we read. Oh, ’cause here’s the other thing. Pretty soon my kids will want nothing to do with me. Music, friends, sports, and video games will be my replacement. I hear it starts as early as 5th grade…

So, I’m gonna get those cozy cuddles now. Because some day it’ll all be, “Leave me alone I’m on the phone, drop me off a block before and don’t wave.” Therefore, even if I have to read “Diary of a Fly” 20 times, so be it. I want that cuddle account full now – so hopefully the withdrawal won’t be so painful later.