Most parents battle this fear: that one day they will look back and regret how they raised their kids.

“Did I spend enough time with them? Did I do the things that matter most? Did my children feel valued?”

In this podcast, Sarah Mackenzie shares how fear of regret led her to read aloud to her children and she discovered a passion for helping other families benefit from this simple, but powerful practice.

Whether you’re a single parent or a stay-at-home mom, have your kids in public school or are homeschooling, I believe anyone with kids in their life will find Sarah’s insight to be both practical and inspiring. In our conversation, we explore how regularly reading with children of all ages can cultivate meaningful connections with them, create lifelong memories, and bolster their academic and social development. Sarah offers easy strategies we can use right now to develop stronger bonds with kids through reading aloud.

Grab a pen and paper as you listen to this episode because you’ll want to capture Sarah’s nuggets of doable advice. Be sure to pre-order Sarah’s upcoming book, The Read Aloud Family, and check out her podcast, Read-Aloud Revival, too. Links are below under resources!

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Practical ways to keep kids engaged during read-alouds
  • How to ask your kids good questions about what they’re reading
  • Why reading aloud to kids may be more beneficial than having them read themselves
  • Using story to embellish your child’s education

Quotes

Resources From Today’s Show 

 ==> General Links 

  • Have you grabbed this month’s freebie? It’s available for the month of May here.
  • Did catch my chat with Susie Davis on finding and being a Spiritual Mom?  Listen here.
  • Want to subscribe to the blog and grab a freebie? CLICK HERE
  • Grab my latest book, She’s Still There!
  • Take a look at Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst and Tony Evans

Let’s Talk!

After you’ve listened to the podcast, I’d love to continue the conversation. Be sure and leave a comment!

  1. What are some good open-ended questions that you use to start conversations with kids?
  2. What is your biggest challenge when it comes to creating space for intentional connection with your children? What small action can you make today to create more space to connect with your kids?
  3. How might you be able to incorporate read-alouds in your family’s weekly routine?

Connect with me…

How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher?  Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!

3. Share today’s show –   Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!

You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!