Technology-Free Family--Why We Raised Kids With Books and Nixed Television

I chuckle remembering my husband's and my early parenting selves--so radical it hurt. In the ultra-conventional 80s, nonconformity did not enjoy the vogue it does now. We were hipsters when that word still meant jeans!
One big concern was the effect of TV on kids. I had steeped myself in organic childhood teaching, following Dr. Maria Montessori and reading books like Marie Winn's "The Plug-in Drug." Even when we were dating, we agreed that nature was nurture. I give us credit looking back. We'd seen nothing yet of internet, video games, Blu-Ray, cellphones and cyber culture. VCRs were pretty young. We worried about cable television and vowed never to have a TV set in our home. We'd grow our kids on books we said. Technology-Free Family--Why We Raised Kids Without Television

Family Read-Aloud: Old Scholastic Classic Kids Books

I tend to look askance at most children's movies made in the last few years. Kids' books too, for that matter. I'm a bibliophile and have a collection of children's literature that exceeds 2,000 books. I haunt libraries, used book stores, Scholastic website. I'm admittedly fussy about quality literature for children. Much of what's coming out seems repetitive in theme: vampires, fantasy, Gothic--very Harry Potteresque. Some stories seem to be spun straight from others' in the genre.

Even realistic fiction has become banal and patronizing. Teen angst, new kid problems, bullying, family problems-- these serious get dumbed down often. They books read like they're written by adults trying to sound like kids. Family Read-Aloud: Old Scholastic Classic Kids Books 

Help, my child hates to read! Tips to inspire the reluctant reader

Habits, both good and bad, are generational. Children absorb, by osmosis, the vices and virtues of their parents. I'm a reader, as were my parents before me. My husband's family were bibliophiles. Our children grew up reading and being read to. Now in middle school and adulthood, our kids have continued the reading habit. Are you struggling to find ways to spark a love of reading in your kids? Here are some tips and tricks to help. Books for kids who hate to read

Baby Books to Read Aloud

Best Books to Read to Infants and Babies- Great Baby Shower Gits
Read to an infant? Yes, you read that title correctly. Want to raise children to love books? Don't wait. Here is a list of books I highly recommend to read to an infant or baby. Oh and, ahem, these make excellent baby shower gifts, too. Read More