• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Smart Domestic

True Stories of Semi-Competent Adults

  • Features
  • Real Talk
  • Decisions
  • Manifesto
  • About

kids

How to raise readers

March 24, 2017 by Suzanne Leave a Comment

My friend Hillary, who reads more than anyone I know, wrote about how she’s tried to create an environment that encourages her boys to be readers.

Here’s some of her thoughtful advice:

Read in front of your kids. Reading is what adults do. All adults. Men and women. Mike, before the boys were born, tended to read only before bed, but I asked him to make a point to read in front of the boys because I didn’t want them thinking books were something only women liked.

Read with your kids every single day. Yes, you’ll read board books, but read novels, too, sooner than you think. You need the entertainment and you’ll be surprised how interested they can be. Read Ferdinand and Where The Wild Things Are and I Want My Hat Back and The Book With No Pictures and keep reading them as you go on to Charlotte’s Web and The Hobbit and Wonder and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Read tidbits from your own books, when it makes sense. Read poems. Read news stories. Read cereal boxes. Read even when they won’t sit still. And when they don’t want to read to you and/or stop wanting to be read to — at age 9, our oldest has hit this milestone — then read together in companionable silence. We have a family reading hour most nights before bed. Sometimes I read aloud. Sometimes we all read silently. Either way, I think we all feel cozy and content and loved.

Read the full post on her site, and sign up for her newsletter, which is called “Make America Read Again.”

Image via the Library of Congress 

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: books, children, kids, make america read again, reading

Hygge reads, kids edition: Children’s books for winter days

February 8, 2017 by Leslie Leave a Comment

By Leslie Kotzas

This past year, I’ve spent my days surrounded by the warmest images, the cutest creatures, and fluffiest monsters. Working in the children’s department of the public library in the company of beautiful picture books keeps me warm and cozy in the dark, gray winter. (Librarian plug: Stop by your local library and find a treasure to warm your heart!)

Before you jump to your feet and head out the door, let me share the ones that I’ve found delightful. They’ll make you laugh, make you weep, and make you snuggle under blankets!

Ada Twist, Scientist: This is a great rhyming book that promotes girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Ada gets into some interesting predicaments trying to prove her hypothesis. If you like this one, there are a few more that are just as good: Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer.

Ida Always: Grab your tissues, clutch your baby close, and let the tears flow. Two polar bears that live together in the zoo have to face the fact that Ida is dying. I could only read it once!

Cat Knit: Sometimes our friends change, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t friends. Get out your knitting needles and make a new friend for someone you love.

Nanette’s Baguette: This book rhymes the adventure of Nanette and her responsibility to bring home a baguette for her mother. Want to know what happens to that baguette?

The Messy Book: Do you have a little one that is a little messy? Want to show them that cleaning up isn’t so bad? Then this book is for you!

This is Not a Picture Book: Picture books are clearly the best. However, what about when books stop having pictures? Are they worth it? Check out this book and find out.

Gary: This books made me smile like a fool the whole way through. This pigeon who dreams of doing big things is given the chance despite his disability.

Ideas Are All Around: If the book above doesn’t pique your interest about writing, then follow the author through his books as he looks for ideas to write about.

A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting: Bears are all around in the woods. Do you know what to do if you spot one? Check this one out quick! You’ll be needing this advice!

Miss Moon: Wise Words From A Dog Governess. You’ve got a dog. Find out what advice Miss Moon has to share!

Have anymore picture books you can’t get enough of? Need more recommendations? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!

 
 

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: books, children, favorite books, hygge, hygge week, kids, librarian leslie, reading

Staying soft and being tired

September 22, 2016 by Suzanne Leave a Comment

img_7051Seven weeks ago, I welcomed my second baby boy to the world. We call him Theo. He excels at baby skills: Sleeping, eating, filling his diaper, and staring out into the world with wonder. He is a beautiful blank slate of humanity.

I’m stopping in here briefly to tell you about maternity leave, being a mom to two small humans, being sleep-deprived, and staying soft for a while.

…

Read More »

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: kids, maternity leave, motherhood, parenting

Primary Sidebar

Say hello!

  • Email
  • Facebook

Recent Posts

  • Three great podcasts for kids
  • Travel tips for breastfeeding moms
  • How to make an emergency kit
  • Recommendation: Take a quick trip
  • How to raise readers

Recent Comments

  • Suzanne on The problem with online mommy-groups
  • Ayelet on The problem with online mommy-groups
  • John on Decisions: I’m leaving hipster paradise for Midwest familiarity

Archives

  • April 2018
  • August 2017
  • June 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016

Categories

  • Decisions
  • Features
  • Manifesto
  • Miscellany
  • Parenting
  • Quotes
  • Real Talk
  • Shortcuts

Copyright © 2021 · Leslie and Suzanne