I learnt to read at a very early age sat on the knee of my dad as he read his newspaper of an evening. He would read different sections out loud to me and I would mimic him, till, at one point, it was me who was reading the words back to him. I skipped the Janet & John books of my era, and went straight into books for older kids thanks to my father’s patience.
It was my dad who took me on my first outing to the library. A Saturday morning ritual not only to give my mother a moment’s peace and quiet to go shopping by herself. But to keep us kids all out of trouble reading books. We would spend at least two or more hours in the library, which was fine by me, as I got to either sit in a corner and read a whole stack of picture books, or was read to by my dad.
Being the youngest at this point was an advantage. And so, by the time I got to school, I was reading well above my weight, as they say. And more. Thanks to my mother’s diligent prep, also well versed in my letters. I remember fondly sitting at the kitchen table slowly writing out her shopping list for her in pencil, as she dictated what we were going out to buy that day. I felt triumphant at not only being asked to do this responsibility, but at learning to write legibly and clearly. And even today, in a world were we hardly write anything anymore, I’m still proud of my handwriting.
I can’t look at a newspaper without thinking of my dad, or smile when I write out a shopping list, remembering those times sitting with my mother. It’s warming to have those memories and know I have a lot to be thankful for.
NaBloPoMo: 14/30 / Photo by Tsuyoshi Kozu on Unsplash
[grey_box]This post is part of NaBloPoMo where I write 30 blog posts in November. Thank you for reading and leaving me a comment, which is encouragement for me to finish this challenge. To follow along you can subscribe using the form provided in the sidebar or use RSS.[/grey_box]
My dad was always reading when I was a kid (still is). He loves, loves, loves books. I give him books every Christmas and all the other gifts sit at his feet because he just starts reading 🙂 My mom read, but only occasionally since she was always so busy with a house full of kiddos.
In my current family, I am the reader. My husband rarely reads. I have such happy memories of reading on the couch with my father reading close by <3
Oh, now isn’t that interesting. I love that your dad is as big a read as mine, and that you read with him too. My dad always had a book with him, and I credit him with my love of reading. I guess with kids it’s hard to find the time to read for yourself, but do you read with the kids?
Such wonderful memories. That is so beautiful.
My mom is a big reader. She can inhale a book quickly. And she read to us – always.
My dad is the slowest reader on the planet. He does read a lot but he says himself he is missing out because he so sow. But he always has a notebook and write so much stuff down. Everywhere… church, meetings, plane. We dont know what he writes. he is very secretive about it.
My mother and sister were quick readers too. I was in awe at how quick they could both read books. And your mum sounds like she cared, a lot. Oh, now isn’t that funny about your dad, I wonder what’s in all those notes he takes? I bet you’re all curious to know.
Both of my parents were big readers. My mom’s house was full of brick and board bookcases, and she would read almost anything. Loved fiction, non fiction, science (some). Mostly fiction, lots of science fiction. My dad used to bring a small paperback book with him to dinners or parties when he was a teen, in case people didn’t want to talk.
Oh, your mum sounds like my dad, he would read anything with print on it. My mum was mostly historical and romance books. And your dad sounds like my sister. I know when I was young she use to do the same.
I love this! My mom was the reader in our family and she would take me to the library every Saturday. I’m glad she really supported my love of reading in this way. I’m basically the only reader in my family now (my mom reads a few books a year, but nothing like she used to read), but hopefully I can get people to join me on the bandwagon someday!
Maybe you should start your own online book club, that could be fun. And I’m sure there are others doing NaBloPoMo who would join in too.
My Dad wasn’t a big book reader but he always read the paper and sports magazines (for school – he was a P.E. teacher). My Mom was a big book reader and I have definitely loved reading from a young age!
Our entire family were big readers. Maybe because we travelled so much we didn’t have TV. Ha! Ha! And given all the comments about mothers reading, it sounds like women might have the lead over men when it comes to books.