“Mom, listen to this…”

I’m not a fantasy book type of reader. I consider myself an avid reader, and I’ve never read any Harry Potter books *gasp*. However, somehow (probably due to her Star Wars loving father) my daughter seems to be leaning towards this genre. She’s not into Harry Potter, but she has really gotten into the How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell. Now, like I said, dragons aren’t really my thing, but not only does she read these books, but she wants to talk to me about them as well.

“Mom, listen to this…” she says to me as I’m scrolling through Twitter.  I put the phone down just as she begins talking about Fish Legs and other people I have no frame of reference for and showing me maps of islands that don’t really exist.  But, as a parent, I’ve learn to fake things all the time, and this is no exception. I pretend to understand what she’s talking about while I ask legit questions. Do I wish that I had more interest in what she is reading? Of course. However, I also want her to continue talk to me (prep for the dreaded teen years) and I know that talking about what you’re reading is beneficial for understanding and enjoyment, so I listen and we end up cuddled on the couch talking dragons.

Because when it comes down to it, as my child gets her own interests, spends more time reading independently, and just grows older in general, I have to relish any opportunity she wants to talk to her mama.

My suggestion is to keep this in mind the next time your child wants to talk to you about their books, even if you would rather be scrolling through Twitter, remember you’re #RaisingReaders.