It’s a typical Monday evening. The clock strikes eight, and my partner and I call our teens to wrap up their day. Most nights, they comply without a fuss; on others, they trudge up the stairs like disgruntled animals. Following a chaotic period where toothpaste seems to mysteriously appear on the floor, they retreat to their rooms, eagerly awaiting our presence. The sweet days of diapers and lullabies have long since passed, replaced by eye rolls and the occasional sarcastic remark. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of teenage life, one cherished tradition remains: reading together.
When people discover that we still read aloud to our teenagers, their responses vary, often echoing, “We just don’t have time for that.” I totally understand! As our kids hit their teen years, life accelerates, and time becomes increasingly scarce. We juggle numerous commitments, sometimes struggling to catch our breath. Nevertheless, my partner and I have resolutely maintained our nightly reading sessions, which have proven to be one of our most rewarding parenting choices.
The shift from reading children’s literature to engaging with teen and adult fiction was almost instantaneous. One day, we were lost in the fantastical realms of fairy tales, and the next, we were delving into the profound narratives of authors like J. R. R. Tolkien and Neil Gaiman. The main challenges we faced were maintaining consistency and selecting appropriate content.
Between homework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, our family schedule can be overwhelming. To ensure we keep up with our reading tradition, we aim for three nights of reading each week. If we achieve that, we consider the week a success; if we don’t, we simply move on to the next.
Interestingly, my teens bypassed young adult literature and dove straight into adult fiction. This leap introduced us to more mature themes, which opened the door for meaningful conversations about various pressing societal issues—poverty, racism, sexism, and more. The narratives we explore together allow for deep discussions in a safe environment, enabling our teens to voice their thoughts and questions.
While I’m clear on my motivations for continuing this tradition, I ponder what drives my partner, Mike, to persist in this routine when many of our friends have let it go. As a father with a demanding job, he values the bonding time it provides, carving out moments for each child. Plus, he genuinely enjoys it!
As our kids have developed their own preferences, Mike has adopted a more flexible approach to book selection. When our daughter expressed interest in horror, he suggested Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which matched her enthusiasm for the genre and introduced her to classic literature. Similarly, he recommended The Hobbit to our eldest son, who had just discovered the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
An interesting tidbit: Mike has a knack for performing character voices, which he continues to employ even as our children have outgrown that phase. His animated storytelling breathes life into the pages, especially with a classic like The Hobbit. It’s worth noting that this familiarity with the text helped our eldest son when it came time for his summer reading assignment in 2019.
While Mike excels at creating an entertaining experience through his dramatic reading style, I focus on enhancing vocabulary and emotional understanding. Although my character voices are a bit lacking, my youngest son assures me my tone is soothing. I’m comfortable handing the voice-acting duties over to Mike.
After years of reading together, I have a solid understanding of my teens’ vocabularies. When we encounter unfamiliar words, I encourage them to use context clues to infer meanings. Just last week, my youngest casually used the word “plethora” in conversation, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.
Our reading sessions not only foster discussion but also inspire critical thinking. Recently, my third child and I tackled Lord of the Flies, a complex text that sparked intense conversation about human nature and societal breakdown. Our discussions have ranged from themes in The Outsiders to the dynamics of identity and community in The Graveyard Book. We’ve explored a range of genres—poetry, memoir, nonfiction, and fiction—traversing various times and places.
As we packed up books for storage last month, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, especially as I taped up the box containing our board books. The simple joys of stories like Goodnight Moon now resonate more deeply. Soon, I’ll be sending my eldest off to college, a reminder of how swiftly time passes.
Empty nesters often advise, “Savor every moment; they grow up too fast.” I used to dismiss this notion, but now, I truly understand. With their own lives on the horizon, I want to cherish every second of these teen years. Reading together is one of the many ways we express our love for them. I hope they remember those evenings filled with laughter and stories, knowing we were always #readaloudstrong.
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Summary:
Reading aloud to teens not only nurtures a bond between parents and children but also encourages meaningful discussions about complex societal issues. By prioritizing this tradition despite busy schedules, parents can foster critical thinking and vocabulary development. Ultimately, these shared moments create lasting memories that shape their children’s perspectives and understanding of the world.