But I digress. In spite of my love of literature and trying to instill that in my kids, I managed to have one who didn't share that love. My older daughter, Lindsay, loved books so much she actually slept with books in place of dolls or animals from infancy. She picked up and began reading The Grapes of Wrath when she was five. Of course, she didn't understand the story so she eventually gave up, but she still gave it a try. And yet, my younger daughter Lexcie had nothing but disdain for reading. You couldn't bribe the girl to read a book. Horrors!

Then a miracle happened. When she was thirteen, Twilight was the hot thing. Lindsay loved the books and somehow managed to convince Lexcie to read the first book-without my interference. I wisely stepped back and let her sister do the talking. Lexcie capitulated. She read the first three books in one weekend.

And a love of books was born.

Actually, that's a bit of an exaggeration. A love of the Twilight series was born. It took both Lindsay and I to convince her there was an entire world of books available. She finally took the plunge and read another book. And then another. Now, she's the one who barks when anyone interrupts her reading time. Twilight has been much maligned by critics, but I'll be forever grateful to the vampire book that taught my daughter to love books as much as I do. And I'll be forever grateful to my older daughter for doing what I couldn't, and for me being smart enough to let her.

I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes as moms we have to step back and let someone else accomplish something we can't by pounding our fists on our chests and insisting we're right. If you want your child's love of reading and literature to flourish, there are some different things you can do:

• Watching a movie they love based on a book? Buy them the book, but don't pressure them to read it. You can encourage them to read it by asking them to read it and tell you about the differences between the book and movie.

• Let them see you reading frequently. Show them that it's an enjoyable pastime to you rather than harping on them to read. If they have to read a book for school, read the book yourself so you can discuss it with them.

• Let them read what appeals to them, even if you might think it's not exactly nourishing to their mind. As long it's age-appropriate, who cares? If that's what it takes to make your child understand how amazing reading is, how reading can transport them to other worlds, let them read. Loving reading is what's important. It's the first step.

Never, never, never force them to read (other than as required for school). Let them find the love on their own ... however it comes about.

The post Whatever it takes appeared first on FamilyToday.

However, as a writer, I'm constantly making up stories in my head (those voices are always talking to me!). When my sons were little, one night as I was tucking them in we'd forgotten to choose a book. Knowing that if I let them out of bed to choose one, it'd be another half hour before I got them back into bed, I decided instead to tell them a story.

I began telling them a story of two brothers and their adventures with a dragon. Of course the stars of the story shared names with my sons. They loved it! After that, every night they wanted more, and we continued to build on the same story. I didn't realize what an impact my making up stories rather than just reading them was having on the boys until a few years ago.

My sons, now grown, were excited when I published my first book. Their only question was how soon I was going to write and publish the story I'd made up for them years ago. I had no idea they even remembered the story, but they do, and they want it in print.

I'm so glad I took the time to do something a little outside the box, something that all these years later my children remember and cherish. Something as simple as making up a story for them, and spending the time to share it with them.

Starting Your Own Story time Tradition

How can you begin a similar tradition? It's simple. Think of what your kids enjoy: dinosaurs, princesses, horses, bike riding, dancing, singing ... anything they enjoy.

Once you have a theme, then make your kids the star. Begin telling them a story, even if you have to borrow from another well-known story.

Begin with, "Once upon a time there was a girl/boy named ..."� You'll be surprised at how soon your own tale begins to emerge and veers from where you began.

Remember, it doesn't have to be the next Harry Potter; it only has to come from your love of your kids. They'll feel it, and love it better than any book you read them. Try telling a story to your kids tonight and see for yourself how cherished story time can be.

The post Story time appeared first on FamilyToday.

Reading books to your children at bedtime is a long-standing important tradition. I think the best way to introduce your children to the love of literature is to read to them from the day they are born.

As a writer, I'm constantly making up stories in my head. One night, when my sons were little, I was tucking them in and realized we'd forgotten to choose a book. Knowing that if I let them out of bed to choose one, it'd be another half hour before I got them back into bed, I decided instead to tell them a story.

I began telling them a story of two brothers and their adventures with a dragon. Of course the stars of the story shared names with my sons. They loved it! Every night after that, they wanted more, and we continued to build on the same story. I didn't realize what an impact my making up stories rather than just reading them was having on the boys until a few years ago.

My sons, now grown, were excited when I published my first book. Their only question was how soon I was going to write and publish the story I'd made up for them years ago. I had no idea they even remembered the story, but they do, and they want it in print.

I'm so glad I took the time to do something a little outside the box, something that all these years later my children remember and cherish. Something as simple as making up a story for them, and spending the time to share it with them.

The post Bedtime Stories appeared first on FamilyToday.