Why Join a Book Group with Your Kids?

You read to your kids every night. Why bother with a book club? We'll give you ten reasons why!

10. You know how important it is to read to your kids. Reading to and with children helps them do better in school, according to the U.S. Department of Education. But reading is a passive activity. Book groups take this one step further by actively involving your kids in the story.

9. An all-ages book group can be a tremendous confidence-builder for your kids. Within your group, they can ask questions, give their opinion, or defend an idea. You're right there to back them up. It's kind of like taking a trip with your family. You're challenged, but you have the safety and security of being with people who know and love you.

8. Having trouble reading your neighbor? A book group is a real ice-breaker. You might find you have a lot in common -- besides your love of books!

7. You'll amaze your kids. (You may even replace Serena Williams or Mark McGwire as their role models.) They already know you can cook, score a basket, or program the VCR. But now they get to see you doing something they might never have seen you do before.

6. You get a chance to set an example. In your book club meetings, you carry on discussions and exchange ideas with lots of different kinds of people. You don't put anyone down -- you listen, and you're open to feedback. Your kids will notice.

5. Book clubs are famous for having lots of great munchies. And no one can accuse you of being a couch potato, even if you do eat a box of Wheat Thins by yourself.

4. Teaching kids about diversity is a toughie, and a book club provides a natural introduction. There's only one prerequisite for membership in your club. It's not age, race, background, abilities, or walk of life. You just have to read the book (or have it read to you).

3. No two kids are alike. If you begin a family book group with your kids, the younger ones can join the older kids. It's an equalizer.

2. Your book group can go the distance. Create a book club website, and have email discussions with your far-off friends and relatives.

1. Your family or neighborhood book group will help your kids reach an understanding about people, places, and events that they would never reach otherwise. They'll remember this... it will affect them forever.

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