Encourage Reading With The Perfect Nook

Every room should have a curl up, get cozy, never-wanna-get-up-again reading corner. I remember when I was a kid finding clever ways to hide so I could read without being caught and put to work... *chuckle* remember hiding an open book under a towel on the towel bar in the bathroom? Heh heh, I thought I was so clever, then one day I ran across my sister's book occupying my towel rack, and possibly my moms book?? Oh well. 
It seems that between the television, internet, and video games we have ruined a generation for reading and imagination. My kids are always begging to watch this, or play that online "educational" game for school, what happened to the love of a great book? Educational content or not, my kids spend more than enough time online from school alone. I'm on a mission to give them the reading bug!

The "Curl Up" Spot

If I could put a lounge chair in every room I would! Unfortunately I am not rich, so no big bedroom space and no fancy chairs. But that shouldn't stop us from giving ourselves and our children some special little something to curl up in...whether it be the perfect rocker, or a large cushion, or a bunch of soft cushy throw pillows for the corner.
Thanks to the girls' "Aunty L", the Princess Pink bedroom has an awesome
 Poang children's armchair from Ikea, and you wouldn't believe how comfortable it is! Who knew something so great could be assembled out of such a thin little box? 

Proper Lighting
This detail should NOT be overlooked! It may not be as much fun as decorating or accessorizing, but we all know how necessary it is! Please, don't skimp on a nice bright lamp!
I allow my kids to get up early (with the sun!) rather than go to bed late, but I know many parents like to give their kids the privilege of a little extra time to read after lights-out time. And of course some kids will just sneak in a quick "read" regardless! For parents who want to encourage reading at all costs, at least consider leaving a little "night light" reading lamp, or an LED book clamp light in their reading corner. 

Great Reading Materials
What is the use of creating the perfect reading area without having the perfect reading materials? I think it is important to strategically stock our kids bookcases. Keep easy/light reading right at their current reading level, as well as "challenge" books for them. We want our kids to be ever increasing the reading level of difficulty without our prodding. Sure, we do it for school, but why not let them venture out of their own accord without even realizing it? 

Reading Nook Accessories
I love the faux fur that the girls aunt 'L' bought for the Princess Pink bedroom. With something so soft you just cozy up and never want to leave!
Consider a journal and a set of pretty ink pens for your kids to keep a "blog" of their thoughts on great reads. 

Keeping It Organized
Kids bookcases are often a hot mess, especially if they have a sizable book collection! Simple items such as baskets, magazine holders, book caddies, or even bookends help keep those books wrangled. I don't clean my kids bedrooms for (and admittedly not even with) them, so keeping those bookcases tidy needs to be toddler easy!

Consider how you set up the books... sick and tired of them tumbling out of the shelf? It's just too difficult for our youngest ones to hold books upright while trying to jam the rest in... lay them face down in like stacks. My youngest knows that her coloring books go in one stack, her "church time" books in another, and big books in another. Simple, but easily kept on the shelf, and I'm teaching her basic organization tactics for her age. Other times, let's face it, you just need to streamline their bookshelf before it takes over the world like an evil villain!

The Thank You Jar

I want to help my children become kind, courteous, self-less little people who put one another other first. Nobody pinch me, I know I'm dreaming!! But if there were ever a dream worthy of pursuit, this would be it.
Being courteous isn't much of a challenge when it is to those outside the home, but sometimes we take for granted those we love most, and instead of showing them our greatest efforts, courteous kindness and loving consideration, we give them less effort than we would a stranger.
Occasionally we need a little help remembering to express thanks, show kindness and sacrificial love to our family. Imagine a home where spouses put each others needs first, and children were polite to one another, that would make home the sweetest haven. That makes our character one of the most important elements of making this house a home. Not as easy as giving a room a makeover, or organizing our space or time, but even more important to "get in order"!

The Problem
Ok, I will take a moment to be vulnerable and bear my soul, to address something I believe is the most important part to accomplishing this dream for our children: our own example. 
Since children tend to be "mini-me's", the greatest obstacle I have found in cultivating these positive traits is my own selfishness. *Sigh* Don't get me wrong, I can be very sweet and I am always polite, I have done many charitable acts for others, it is when there is no perceived reciprocation, or someone appears to take my kindnesses "for granted" that I become a bit of an egomaniac. Yep, my silly brain tells me foolish things like "if you do these nice little acts for people they will expect it all the time, and worst walk all over you! You have to protect and take care of YOU since nobody else will!", and thus begins the cycle of selfishness executed with the air of martyrdom spurred on by a false justification. Of course, all this starts on the inside, but eventually these ideas seep into our actions. So no matter what others may or may not do for you, never allow it to be an excuse to repay with harsh words or selfish action.  
That being said, I admit I am a definite "work-in-progress", and must make sure my impressionable mini-me's have a good example. Kind courteous acts and words begin with us. When our children see mom and dad being sweet, tender, courteous, and kind to others as well as one another without  reserve, they will follow suit. Start early, love much!

The Plan: The "Thank You" Jar
So I had this crazy idea for a project that just might help train my kids in kindness! I know, you're saying seriously, you organize and create projects to train?? I told you I believed in the power of an organized life! *cheesy grin*
In addition to teaching, and giving correction when my child does something mean or acts selfishly to a sibling, I wanted to encourage positive responses through positive reinforcement. Thus the Thank You Jar has emerged. 
The jar is kept stocked with cards containing some nice little treat inside. Some have healthy candy, a tiny toy, or stickers, anything that would appeal to the little ones. 
When one of us notices a particularly kind and selfless act on the part of a family member, and we want to acknowledge it, we can then take from the Thank You Jar and write them a little note to show our appreciation.

 I keep the jar well stocked with exciting new goodies, some cheap cards I find from thrift stores, and a few blank cards for the girls to create their own card designs. Instead of me alone rewarding my children for selflessness, they can reward one another! In addition, they learn what I have had a hard time learning...to recognize and appreciate the little efforts of those around them. 
Think of it as a year round Valentines day. A selfless act, encourages and reciprocates another selfless act. 
Since nothing substitutes for our personal example,  I too use the "Thank You Jar". I occasionally give a card to one of the children, or I can throw a little "love letter" in the hubby's lunchbox. 

Taking It To The Next Level...

Don't stop there, take it a step farther, begin to do other acts of kindness and include your children in the process. Take the effort to make a special dish daddy will love, aid a child in volunteering to help his/her sibling clean up a mess just to be kind, show your children what it means to sacrifice your own wants and desires instead showing courteous kind deeds. 
The card giving is only a jumping off point by which we practice awareness of these virtues, and begin to encourage it in deed. 
Extend your kind deeds and gratefulness beyond the family circle. As a family brainstorm ways in which to show kindness or extend gratefulness to others you associate with.