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The Editor's Desk - From Beneath the Clutter
Feature Article - Have You Tried the Library?
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Finally? Maybe?
We've been working on potty training my 3 year old. He's still not done, but this week has been the one in which he's finally shown signs of figuring it out. Such a relief. I am very, very ready to be done with diapers.
Of course, i'm also very, very ready for the networking to finally work out so my husband gets a job. He's working hard at that and I think he has plenty of motivation these days. He's helping out at a conference this week so that he can network there. It's almost odd having him out of the house!
Summer break is coming or even here for many families. With that comes the eternal whine: "I'm boooored!"
There are a lot of ways you can battle summertime boredom, but one of my favorites is the library. There's plenty to do at most local libraries, and it's not all about checking out books.
For younger children there's story time. Many libraries have a time where someone will sit and read to the children. They may even have different times for different age groups.
Libraries generally have a wonderful selection of children's books. This is a wonderful way to keep from needing to buy more and more books for your kids. You can introduce them to the classics you enjoyed as a kid as well as the currently popular titles without destroying your budget.
And of course there are plenty of books for older children too. If your kids aren't the sort to reread books you may be able to provide them with some great choices without going to the book store. And if they have a particular interest or hobby they're pursuing, the library can be a great resource.
Regular access to books is one of the best ways to bring a child up to be a reader. It doesn't really matter what kinds of books your child likes to read. Even reading comic books can encourage the reading habit. Rather than spend a lot of money on the habit you can borrow the books your children will love.
Many libraries even carry movies on DVD now. You can save some serious money on your movie rentals if you have a library card.
One of the best things about modern libraries is that they may even contact you to remind you when books are due, and you may be able to request a book from another branch online. This is a huge time savings, and if you pay attention to the reminders, a savings on late fees too.
And of course most have computers now too. While computer time is generally limited, it can be a fun place for the kids to play on the computer if they don't already do so at home.
Don't assume that your children will be bored at the library. Even people who say they don't like to read may find something of interest at the library. It's often not a dislike of reading, after all. It's more likely in my opinion to be a dislike of the topic being read. Give your kids a chance to enjoy themselves at the library.
Stephanie Foster is the owner of Home with the Kids, a resource that knows that there's more to staying home with your family than just business. For more stay at home tips, visit the site at http://www.homewiththekids.com/ and subscribe to the free newsletter.
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