Today is the day I normally share a video review of a book or series. I was planning on reviewing the comic series, Calvin and Hobbes. However, since it has no real summery…or special considerations…or chapters…I ended up shifting gears a little bit.
I do want to talk about Calvin and Hobbes, though.
My husband loved reading the Calvin and Hobbes books when he was growing up. In fact, he still loves reading them now!
When our oldest son started listening to longer books, my husband always chose one of his several Calvin and Hobbes books when I asked him to do our read aloud time for the day.
I was skeptical at first: how could a toddler follow along with a grown up comic strip that was all dialogue?
Not only that, but is Calvin REALLY someone I want my son to see as a role model? I mean, he hits people with snowballs, and doesn’t vacuum under his bed…among other things…
I worried that my husband was squandering precious read aloud time with a negative book that was going completely over the kids’ heads!
However, I was completely wrong! Our son has LOVED listening to Calvin and Hobbes. Now that our youngest child is listening to our read alouds, she likes listening to it, too. The kids even ask to sit with dad to hear some more!
From watching my husband read what he wants to to the kids, I’ve learned a few tips for encouraging your husband to read aloud.
Tips for Encouraging Your Husband to Read Aloud
1. Chill out about book choice.
Has your brain ever said to you something like, “THERE ARE SO MANY QUALITY BOOKS TO READ AND MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND KEEPS CHOOSING THE SAME BOOK BECAUSE HE LIKES THE FART JOKES AND I CAN’T EVEN!”?
My brain has said that to me sometimes.
May I humbly remind your brain and my brain that there is nothing inherently better about a book just because it has been labeled “a classic.”
God will not view us as more holy if our children prefer C. S. Lewis over Lemony Snicket. Seriously, it’s fine.
Let your husband pick books to read aloud that he enjoys, even if they aren’t as deep as you would prefer. After all, reader enjoyment is crucial criteria for choosing a book.
Don’t worry, when you read aloud on later days there is plenty of time for reading Detective Gordon and the philosophical conversations that come with it.
2. Keep the goals of reading aloud in mind.
The goals of reading aloud are increasing family bonds and instilling deep in your child’s soul the belief that they are loved and have worth.
These goals can be met by reading aloud Calvin and Hobbes. These goals can be met by reading aloud a book full of fart jokes.
Progress towards the goals comes when your kids get their dad’s undivided attention over a book they all enjoy.
It can be bothersome when it feels like your husband isn’t taking it seriously, or isn’t doing it the way you would.
I mean, doesn’t he know that that chapter would be perfect to talk about how we need to put our dishes in the dishwasher? Didn’t he see that amazing craft you printed out?
Just keep in mind the goals: family bonds and making your child’s soul believe they are loved.
As long as those goals are being met, everything else can fall by the wayside.
3. Get excited about what excites your kids.
When your kids and husband find something they enjoy, encourage that! Smile and tell them how much you like to see them reading together. Take pictures of them sharing their favorite books.
When your kids show you what their hearts are excited about, accept that for the wonderful gift that it is. I may not really get into Calvin and Hobbes, but I definitely nod enthusiastically when my little guy tells me all about the tiger’s antics.
Being excited about what they like helps them know that tier opinions matter. Showing joy about their favorite books also encourages them to keep reading because it is fun!
It’s wonderful when your husband can introduce them to a book or series that excites your young kids!
Overall Rating
I give Calvin and Hobbes comics 5 out of 5 Ears. You should own these books and read them.
I give any book your husband loves to read to your kids 5 out of 5 Ears. Read on, dear families!
