Today, when there are so many distractions for your children such as television, computers, and video games, are you looking for an easy and economical way to connect with your family? Starting a parent-child book club in your own home might be the answer for you.

A family book club is a simple way to maintain and strengthen connections with your children. Meeting at regular intervals to discuss books, and engage in related enrichment activities, allows parents to rediscover the thoughts and views of their children, and to truly connect with their children’s souls. Additionally, children are able to subtly distill their parents’ values, ideas, and opinions. This shared knowledge leads to deep understanding that provides the foundation for a lifetime of rewarding connections.

Start a family book club today. Find two or three like-minded adults with similarly-aged children. Pick a book that the children and adults will enjoy, and will find challenging and interesting. Craft discussion questions and suggested answers to keep your group’s discussion on track and engaging; plan theme-related activities: an art or science project; puzzles, games, or physical activities; a field trip if appropriate; and a snack that dovetails with the book. Offer the group enrichment materials such as related websites or books that can lead to further independent research for those interested in the topics discussed. You can do as much or as little to fit your busy schedule….the main idea is to enjoy reading and discussing books together.

Plan your first book club meeting! During the discussion, ensure that all points of view are respected and that everyone feels comfortable sharing his or her thoughts and opinions. You will be amazed by the insightful comments your children will share once they get going. Discussing books together truly creates a community, and what better way to foster meaningful connections with your children than through a community of books.

Happy reading!

Melissa Stoller & Marcy Winkler, co-authors of the newly-published book, “The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading”

www.parentchildbookclub.com