“Mikey, for heaven’s sake! What are you still doing up? You should be sleeping.”
“I’m reading.”
“Oh. Well, that I understand. Still, sometimes we have to go to bed even if a book is really good, otherwise we can’t get up in the morning. Look at the time! You’ll be too tired to learn anything in school. What are you reading about, anyway?”
“The Civil War.”
This dialogue goes on several nights a week at our house, too. I can understand–I was that kid with the flashlight and book under the covers. But the mornings are beginning to be problem. Just today I threatened a 7 p.m. bedtime (for an almost-8-yr-old!) if I didn’t see some feet hitting the floor.
I think I’ve had this EXACT conversation with Aiden. Love it!
Could you package him up and send him to me? I need to squeeze him!
Addi has been dragging my library copy of “Still Alice” around the house because she “just has to read this book”. It’s hilarious, except now I can’t find it to finish it. Doh!
My downfall began when I told my guys as long as they stayed in bed they could read as much as they wanted….
Good luck. Ask him how the book ended : )
Ah yes, memories… all throughout my school years I was up until midnight or 1 am reading, reading, reading, reading. Now I barely read anymore. Let Mikey read while he can!! :)
Me, too. The worst thing I ever saw was on Super Nanny. A mom punished her son by telling him to go up to his room and read.
Way to foster a love of reading. O_O
Awesome! If my husband read this post, he will want to steal Mike :)
NICE!
Hmmmm….. staying up late reading – I wonder where he gets it from ?
:-)
wow. Our daughter was reading so much in Middle School, whenever the teacher paused to take a breath, she continued reading the novel she toted around with her. Distracted so much we had to limit it to Language arts class and lunch. And we’ve had issues with getting up in the morning, but Libby’s vocabulary in English as well as French and Spanish, nothing short of amazing. This is a good “problem” to work with.
My oldest went through a huge civil war phase as a 9-10 year old. It is amazing how much an inspired brain can absorb. He still wants to be a history professor (and actor/director/fabulously wealthy person).
Fabulously Wealth Person! :)
Oh, good thinking … become a history professor … but do the occassional movie on the side so you can still be a fabulously wealthy person!
This post is awesome. The Civil War! What a great kid you’ve got. ;)
That’s great! My boys need a few books to read during the holiday break. Perhaps this book would be perfect for them too. Can you provide the title & author? Thanks!
It’s The Dangerous Book for Boys or something like that. I’m sure you already have it? He LOVES it. Science experiments, small chapters on history, nature, etc. Last night he was reading about hunting.
Handsome and smart to boot! He’ll be a heartbreaker for sure …
There’s a slight chance my nephew will be the same. I both love it and am a little concerned. He just turned 2 and he’s already learning 3 languages. He speaks mostly Swedish … but understands English perfectly … so he knows his aunt is a goober. For instance, the other day he said something and I said, “Oh, that was beautiful.” He looked at me funny … then my brother laughed and said, “he just told you his car was broken.” Sigh.
I am glad that Mickey likes to read. I hated reading a child but now I love reading…especially at night. I like the point that you made with Mickey about needing to sleep so there are times you should put the book down.
My sister’s oldest son, who is now 9, has been reading books about the Titanic, Civil War, Battle Ships, NASA, and so many other topics from books that most adults read…I am thankful he reads and loves to read.
My niece reads all the time too. she mostly loves to read outload to an audience and at 7-years-old, she is really good at it.
My youngest nephew (5) hasn’t quite got the reading bug yet…
Thanks for sharing!
I loved this post, he’s hilarious and a Jedi genius just like his mama:)
Our daughter just turned four but every night we find her up in bed “reading”. I hope that continues.
The Civil War! Who needs school for learning?