Classical Conversations discussion

Thoughts, comments, or questions about Chapter 2.

I am just beginning to research the Classical model, and in a way, I feel a little bad (in the guilty kind of way), because I have been an avid reader for a long time, and really enjoy learning..... the "problem" is that I have most often picked up my books when my kids are asleep or not around. I have waited for those times of peace and quiet, instead of reading for pleasure or research in front of them. Up to this point, my kids have seen more of me doing household chores, rushing to get to the next activity, etc..., rather than taking the time to calmly and quietly be an example to them in this very important area.

Wow, thanks for sharing, Stacy! There is a constant tension we often feel, but especially you moms, between the practical demands of life and the beauty of contemplation and rest. Not that the practical demands cannot lead to beauty, they can. But it doesn't always feel beautiful. I hope you'll be able to find ways to share that rest and contemplation with your kiddos as you grow. I hope the same for myself and others, too. We are all in a similar boat. Sometimes knowing you are not alone is help in itself! :)

Books are like air in our house. My parents read. It was expected that we read. I remember not having money growing up, but there was always a dollar for a used book. My Hubs and I have followed the same path - we each read different things, but our home library - and it is a library - is filled with everything. There is a satisfaction when a child needs information and knows they can whet their appetite on something we have at the house. There is also a glowing pride when a child makes you stop the car on the way off the farm for them to run back inside and grab a book.

And ebooks are an excellent way to read for free. Our library has an online version where you can download audio and ebook versions 10 at a time. So many classics are out of copyright and therefore free on Kindle.

I say all this to encourage you to make reading like breathing in your home. Take a book with you. Listen to audiobooks in the car every day (I have almost worn out the second radio in my car) Pull out your tablet to read for 10 minutes - set the timer on your phone and tell the kids what you are doing. Expect the kids to read, have a book, and they will not disappoint you.