Welcome to the official start of the Summer. As we slow down and relax it’s important to also be realistic about your Summer plans. As much as I want to do all of the things, keep in mind there are times when there is some down time. What do you need to add to that down time? Reading. This Summer reading list is going to be both for the adults as well as the children.
Less Electronic Time
My kids are 12 and under. They like adults want to be on their electronics playing games like Roblox as well as communicating with their friends. Nothing irks me more than seeing kids on their phone, tablets, or Ipads all day long. However I am not also grateful for them as well. Maintaining a healthy balance between using electronics as well as keeping kids active. For my kids we combine outdoor play with some in home activities. Struggling with outdoor play ideas? I also wrote a blog about what to do on rainy days. A lot of the materials you can gather from the Dollar Store or Five Below. I would suggest an outdoor bucket where you have all of the items ready. Have things already prepared so you’re not dealing with the “I’m bored!” conversations.
- Jump Rope
- Riding bikes/scooters
- Chalk play
- Creating Art outdoors (less clean up in the house)
- Solving Mysteries
- Double Dutch
- Bubble Play
- Reading a Book Outdoors
Kids Reading List
I recently took the kids to Barnes and Nobles and they picked out 4 books a piece. My only rule was to limit picture books or sticker books. I want them to spend some time reading. It also is a great way as a family to incorporate some reading together. I have several books I am currently reading too. With their list I encouraged them to find books that they found interesting. My oldest two children made list prior to going to the store. It made it easier to let them scatter in the store within reason and I could spend time with the youngest assisting her. My youngest daughter is 7. She hits me with the don’t know vibes quite often. So we went to her section of books and found her interests.
What My Kids are Reading
I will start from oldest to youngest:
My 12 year old daughter is reading: Raina Telgemeier series and is about 2 books away from having the full series so far.
My 9 year old son is reading: Dog-Man series as well as Miles Morales Shock Waves. He is 2 books away from having the full Dog-Man series so far.
My 7 year old daughter is reading: Amelia Bedelia series as well as My Little Pony, and of course Barbie.
Don’t forget the cute bookmark stickers either!
Barnes and Nobles Age Breakdown
Barnes and Nobles gets it right when it helps parents assist their children. The books are broken down by age so that it takes the guest work on where to go. It made it easier to direct my own children to their section of the store. The pricing is not as bad. We spent a little over $75 for 12 books and we also allowed them to get sticker book marks because they are fun and encourage them to use them. Also the staff at Barnes and Nobles was incredibly helpful. I also elected to get the Barnes and Nobles membership as it will help me save money over time and allows the children to be on the card while getting coupons for them during several instances of the year.
Summer Reading Program
Also for those who don’t know, they have a Summer reading program. I have been doing this program for years. It encourages the kids to read a certain amount of books and at the end of the Summer they are rewarded with a new book. You don’t have to buy the books in the store although I encourage it to help build your child’s book shelves and home library. For instance, you can grab the Summer reading list that is broken down by grade/age and go to your local library to check them out. You will still write up the summary and get rewarded the new book at the end of the challenge. My kids look forward to it yearly and I do too.
Barnes and Nobles My Go to Self Care Spot
Ever since I turned 18 Barnes and Nobles has always been my secret spot. When I was stressed out or needed a quiet space, I would go there. When no one could find me aka I didn’t want to be bothered, I would be there for hours. In Lancaster, PA the location on Fruitville Pike was my little oasis. They have a Starbucks inside. I would go and read so many books, bring my notepad and write out things. I actually have my journals saved since I was 18. I also used to work at Barnes and Nobles.
A lot of people don’t know that because after college I held two jobs to make sure I was financially stable plus I traveled a lot and needed the extra money to catch flights, not feelings. When I moved to Philadelphia I continued to go. Sharing that love with my own children has been wonderful but I still love my own me time there. I create a lot of content while at Starbucks. It provides a different atmosphere than me having to shut my kids noise out mentally to create sometimes.
My Own Summer Reading List
I am currently reading, “The Menopause Manifesto” by Dr. Jen Gunter. This particular book I was given by the SheSpeaks book club. It’s an amazing read. From the facts of helping women understand their own bodies to the lightness of such a serious conversation. If you have forgotten I too have gone into a surgical menopause 4 years ago. So this book is everything to me.
The other book I am currently reading is “Professional Troublemaker; The Fear Fighter Manual” by Luvvie Ajayi Jones. This is the book that you come prepared for Luvvie to tell it like it is. I attended her TEDxPhiladelphia in 2017. I attended this event by myself and that was a large accomplishment. It was the year I was pushing myself out of my own comfort zone and it was no coincidence that she was talking about the very push, Getting Comfortable about being Uncomfortable. I owe a lot of my business pushes to that moment in time. You can see my full Summer Reading List on Amazon.
Black Girls Must Be Magical
Any of the Jayne Allen books is a must read. A story of a Tabitha a woman who is living with infertility issues. An unlucky as she decides to be a mom on purpose. Meaning will she rely on a village to help her raise a child should she step into Motherhood. A turmoil of emotions on relationships and more. We did a podcast with her as well, catch it and happy reading. You can grab it at Target, Amazon, and where books are sold.
Audible
Although I will never stop buying books to have in my hand I am heavily into audio books. I take the books I have on hand and purchase them via audio with Audible. The reason is sometimes I can be at a doctors appointment or away from home and forget my books. Since I always have my ear phones I can at least listen to them. Also when I work out I sometimes like to switch back and forth between books and podcasts.
More Books to Add to the List:
Jayne Allen: Black Girls Must Die Exhausted
You can see my full Summer Reading List on Amazon.
So take your Summer Reading list up a notch! Grab a book to read while sunbathing or relaxing at the beach! Also incorporate books for the children! They need to read as well as have the ability to take some time away from their electronics. Oh and a great mom hack..it’s a great way to break up those pesky disagreements while you enjoy a great glass of wine too!
