But I will catch up eventually, I think. I am going to skip to chapter 6 cause I want to. I really like this chapter. (so this excerpt is lengthy) Here it is:

Make Storytime Special:

“Once upon a time, in a land far away. . .” how many images this simple phrase conjures up: memories of stories often told, exotic possibilities for new and exciting adventures, familiar characters like fairy princesses or fiery dragons, distant lands, rolling seas, and the animated faces and voices of our story tellers.

Some of my fondest recollections are the bedtime stories my dad used to tell us after lights out. Tucked warmly in bed, safe against the goblins of the night, nestled with a loving parent, we listened intently  while adventures unfolded before us.

(i’m going to skip forward a little)

We remember these stories so clearly because of the richness of the experience. These are the kinds of memories we want to give our kids— quiet, loving memories together; stories that spark their imaginations and will stay with them forever.

(skip again)

And don’t forget to tell your kids bedtime stories about your own personal experiences, travels, or family history. Tell them a silly story about when they were babies. Or make up a story, Kids love it when the description of the main character sounds exactly like them.

Tell them a story about their day or their week, and include their friends  in the tale. Tell them stories about the lives of their toys, dolls, and stuffed animals before they got “domesticated” and came to live at your house. Tell them about the wonderful things these characters do at night, after everyone else has gone to sleep.

Make up a fictional character or creature, and let your kids take turns telling the story. Let them decide what happens next.

Make the stories fun and enchanting, and leave them with just a bit of anticipation for the next installment. Bedtime is much simpler when kids can’t wait to get in bed to find out what happens next.

The important thing from your children’s point of view is the intimacy bedtime stories create. You’re paing undivided attention to them. You’re teaching them and soothing them with your voice and with your presence. Don’t rush. Don’t make it a reading lesson, and don’t grumble because it is interfering with the evening news or keeping you from the work you brought home from the office.

The years of snuggling at bedtime are very limited— before you know it, your kids decide that they’re too old for stories and bedtime hugs, so take advantage of every cuddly moment.

Chapter One: Eliminate Morning Madness

Set reasonable bedtimes for yourself as well as the kids so no one’s tired or cranky in the morning. Then get up so that you have plenty of time to get ready for the day without having to rush. Allow at least an hour to get everyone dressed and fed and to take care of last minute emergencies.

Experiment to see how much time your family actually requires, and be willing to change your wake-up times as your schedules change or according to your needs. One child may have an earlier school bus departure, or another may simply move at a slower pace in the morning.