My son is 15 and I’ve read to him every night of his life (with rare exceptions) and he still enjoys it. Right now, we’re reading the Harry Potter series. This time between us has been special and I’ve never tired of watching him drift off to sleep. We’ve had the most amazing conversations. Its been the time when he’s most willing to open up about things that concern him, stuff that’s happened to him. And just recently, we’ve begun talking about plans for the following day as well.

My daughter is 10 and I’ve read to her (or she’s read to me) every night as well. With her, I’m reading Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. As with my son, she seems to enjoy ‘alone time’ with Mom and confides in me about her day, about her friends, about the things that worry her.

I wouldn’t trade that time for anything—and yes, sometimes its cost me. I have to stay up later. I don’t get as much done. But its worth it. REALLY worth it.