Rekindling reading relationships

Sailing With Reading

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Articles | 6 comments

Our home is on a peninsula near Seattle, Washington, so we are surrounded by water. I am blessed to see all kinds of vessels on and around the bay during my drive to town. This got me thinking about how our reading experiences can be similar to boats in their varying conditions. Each of us has our own mighty challenges and personal goals. My intention is NOT for you to compare yourself with others (so resist that urge!), but to take stock of your current circumstances and determine your objectives. 

I am certain our family’s attempts at reading have looked like each one of these boats before. Which one best describes your current efforts? 

Sails and Achor Down

This boat might seem familiar if you are simply going through the motions or feel a little stuck. You might squeeze in some reading time each day, but it’s not that enjoyable for any of you. Maybe you even fudge a bit on the kids’ reading chart for school because it’s so hard to find the time. (No judgment here!) It’s possible that when your little one asks you to read to her, you groan inwardly. THAT’S OKAY! We can reinvigorate your reading time and make it special for each of you. I promise it will be worth it; you’ll see benefits you never imagined.

Parked and Covered

You might relate to this boat if you possess plenty of reading materials that are sitting on the shelf, not getting used. They are collecting dust because your kids are a bit older and have grown out of the desire to read. Or perhaps they haven’t shared in your love of books. You don’t know how or can’t seem to get motivated to help them build an interest in reading. DON’T BE ALARMED. Together we can remind your kids of the fun they’re missing and get them back out on the water!

Going Under!

You might identify with this poor boat if reading in your home is a drudgery. Okay, let’s just get it out in the open: it’s a dumpster fire! Either it’s a daily fight, or in the effort to keep everyone happy, you’re choosing not to force the issue. You wonder if your child will ever read for pleasure. DON’T GIVE UP! You can only improve from here, and I want to help you along your journey. I am so excited to hear about your triumphs along the way!

Smooth Sailing

This is you if reading time feels like a dream! Maybe you’ve hit some rough patches along the way, but your kids are willing and happy to read now. You just want to know how to keep this momentum, especially as they grow older. That is absolutely doable! Our reading sessions will naturally evolve over time, but we should definitely KEEP IT UP. We always want that exhilarating wind filling our sails and whipping through our hair!

The Maverick

Perhaps your boat is a bit worn, but still floating. Your approach to reading time may look unique, but it works well for you and your family. It’s apparent you have put in the work. A boat doesn’t have to look pretty to get you where you want to go. Your valiant efforts will likely lead to your children appreciating the value of reading their entire lives. GREAT SEAFARING! Please join with us in supporting others in their respective boats.

In closing, this is simply a light-hearted invitation to be introspective. Identifying areas that need improvement can help us to find solutions. The current state of your reading time is not as important as what you would like it to become. If you’re comfortable, share which boat you feel your reading most resembles right now or what you’d like it to look like in the near future. 

Ahoy readers!

6 Comments

  1. Linda Horschman

    I love your analogies, Tawny. A new perspective on reading styles, for sure. It gives pause for thought.

    Reply
    • tawnyember

      Thank you, Linda! I love reading so much. As you can tell, it’s on my mind a lot! I faithfully bring a book (or two) for my own pleasure reading each time we go to the beach. Alas, the younger kids still need lots of help and attention. I typically only get through a few paragraphs. But we all have fun!

      Reply
  2. Ryan

    There have definitely been times when it felt like I was in a paddle boat trying to go upwind. There have also been times when it was like being in a canoe on a still lake. The hard thing is that despite your best efforts the weather can change and make things so hard.

    Reply
    • tawnyember

      Hahaha! Ryan, their interests and willingness do fluctuate quite a bit. I’m proud of you for jumping back in the boat with us, whatever watercraft it happens to be.

      Reply
  3. Emily Provost

    So I feel like my boat is parked and covered most days but I try on occasion to set sail in some new waters. I’d hope to get to smooth sailing eventually. Cute analogies. ☺️

    Reply
    • tawnyember

      Emily, that’s wonderful! You know where you’re at and where you’d like to be. Next, I’d encourage you to make a small goal you can achieve each day. You’ll be sailing in no time!

      Reply

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