Things you say when you do not want to buy a book for an eager reader.
Introducing children to the world of books and fostering a genuine love for reading is a priceless gift we can give children. Nurturing a love of books and book ownership is fantastic, but there are times when budget constraints or other reasons prevent us from purchasing new books. It's important to handle such situations delicately to ensure that children continue to value reading and books. Over time I have heard people give ridiculous excuses to steer their children from the shelves of a bookshop or a stall. My favourite is, "You have a thousand books already". Personally, my children have a library with over a thousand books and yet, we jump at the sight of any new or interesting book we don't own. You can never have too many books. This other one always gives me the giggles, "You already own all these books!" 'No darling' he doesn't, or Johnny wouldn't be over here asking for them again! Besides, it's unlikely you have all the books on the shelves of a bookshop. There are just too many out there! At Book Mama, we love them all too, yet can't get enough. It could be a really hard place to find yourself when your eager child totally wants that book right now, and you are not in the place to get it. Here are some simple statements to help you guide your child gently away from buying a book in the heat of the moment. Using these techniques would respect your child's wish, continue to nurture their passion for reading and protect your integrity both with your child and passive observers.
1. "Let's Explore the Book Together"
When your child expresses interest in a book you can't buy at the moment, invite them to explore it with you. Say, "I'd love to learn about this book with you. Let's read the description together and see what it's about." This encourages your child to engage with books in a meaningful way without solely focusing on ownership.
2. "We Can Add It to Your Wishlist"
Assure your child that their interest is important and that their wish for the book won't go unnoticed. Say, "I see how much you like this book. Let's add it to your special wishlist, and maybe we can find it another time." This teaches them the value of patience and delayed gratification.
3. "Let's Borrow it from the Library"
Introduce the concept of borrowing books from the library as an alternative. Say, "How about we visit the library and see if they have this book? We can borrow it and enjoy reading it together." This demonstrates that reading isn't dependent on owning books and encourages regular library visits.
4. "Tell Me What You Like About It"
Shift the focus from owning the book to the content itself. This may end up being as shallow as the pretty cover illustration or as deep as how it made them feel. Say, "Tell me what caught your interest in this book? What did you like about it?" This encourages them to think critically about their preferences and discuss the perceived value of the story even before reading it.
5. "We Can Explore Similar Books"
Suggest exploring books with similar themes or styles. Say, "Since we can't get this book right now, how about we look for other books that are similar and might capture your imagination just as much?" This helps your child broaden their reading horizons. Parent alert! This is particularly useful when the material in focus is not suitable for them, or you'd rather not have them engage with it.
6. "Let's Have a Reading Date"
Plan a special reading time with your child. Say, "I know you're excited about this book. We'll set aside a special time to read it together, and we can enjoy the story even more." This reinforces the idea that reading is a shared and cherished activity. This could give you the opportunity to buy the book at a later time to meet for the reading date. On the contrary, the promise of a reading date could change their focus and cause them to forget or forgo the request to own the book. Basically, it offers a distraction and refocus on the shared experience of reading together with you.
Navigating book stalls at events or bookshops, when you do not want to or can't purchase a new book for your child can be a chance to teach valuable lessons. As we've shared here, rather than being dismissive, you can teach patience, nurture the joy of reading, and the importance of exploring books beyond ownership. By using these simple tactics, parents can ensure their child continues to value reading, keep appreciating books and maintain their love for the written word.
We all know that creating a literary haven for your child is a gift that keeps on giving. And the best part? It doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Embark on this delightful journey with Book Mama's "Book Buzz Collection" where the magic of reading meets the practicality of budget-friendly options. Remember, it's not just about the books we own, but the stories we embrace and share.
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