I’ve been thinking a lot about Dr. Seuss recently since the announcement that a new manuscript, What Pet Should I Get?
Personally, I rather enjoyed them for my preschoolers, and one of the reasons why might surprise you. Dr. Seuss’s books, and other very rhythmic, rhyming books, tend to be very easy to memorize. And you know your preschooler doesn’t want to hear a book just one time, right? She wants to hear it every day, multiple times a day (which can be quite mind-numbing, as we all can relate to). Factor in that you are exhausted. Maybe you have lots of little ones and feel drained. Maybe you are pregnant and growing a baby is sapping all your energy. Maybe you are overwhelmed trying to balance work and family. I’ve been there.
This is how I coped.
I learned to read with my eyes shut.
Reading to my child, I found, was a restful time for both of us. I could sit, not worry about my little one getting into things, and enjoy relative quiet in the house.
And on those very worn out days, those Dr. Seuss books were my salvation. I found that the books we read over and over, I no longer had to “read.” I had memorized them. I could just sit back, close my eyes, and turn the pages when I knew I should. This was the best way I found to rest with a little one who only sits still when being read to.
Here are some of my favorite “read with my eyes shut” books:
The Lorax
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
Green Eggs and Ham
Fox in Socks
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Bear Snores On
The Nose Book
All of Baby, Nose to Toes
Ten Apples Up On Top!
And I can’t forget I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
It’s been a few years since I consistently felt worn out enough to need to employ the “reading with my eyes shut” technique, but I bet I could still quote large chunks of many of these books.
If you are a tired parent whose toddler insists on hearing the same books over and over, why not make it books you can easily memorize. Then read them with your eyes shut! Hope you enjoy a bit of rest from this technique!
Do you have a tip on how tired moms can read more? I’d love to hear about it!
What a great strategy. Some of those on your list are our favorites too. I too have found that some parents can’t stand Dr. Seuss. We’re fans in this house, though. Thanks for sharing at the Kid Lit Blog Hop.
I’ve always enjoyed him too. I think some people find it hard to get into the nonsense, but, to me, that’s part of the fun! 🙂
Oh, I could recite some of those books by heart as well. I am new to your blog. Looking forward to reading more about your recommendations.
Thanks, Jenny! Glad you found me. I think I have you on Twitter now, and I look forward to connecting more!