The Power of Bedtime Stories

I always cherish the time when I read picture books to my son before bedtime. After a long day filled with tasks and routines, there's something truly special about winding down together. We complete all our evening rituals—taking a bath, brushing our teeth, and preparing for the next day. Then, we immerse ourselves in the quiet, cozy atmosphere of the night. The feeling of warmth, relaxation, and comfort that fills the room when it's time for reading is unmatched.

In the past, I used to dread reading time. I was overly concerned about my personal time, fearing that it would be consumed by my son's seemingly endless appetite for books. He would often grab a big pile of picture books from the shelf, eagerly asking me to read all of them. I didn't establish any boundaries regarding the maximum number of books I could read to him, and as a result, we often spent too much time reading, leading to late bedtimes. This made me anxious and frustrated because I worried that insufficient sleep would negatively impact the next day.

However, over time, I've experienced a shift in perspective. I realized that staying up a bit later doesn't necessarily have a negative effect on the following day. Instead of focusing on the potential consequences, I've chosen to be fully present and enjoy these precious moments with my son. Along with this change in mindset, I established a new bedtime routine with him. We agreed that each night, we would choose one book to read to each other. He selects two books—one for me to read to him and one that he wants to read to me. This simple change has had a profound impact on our reading time.

By giving my son the freedom to choose his books, he has become much more enthusiastic about reading. Our discussions have also deepened, as we talk about the reasons behind his book choices and the stories within them. This approach has proven to be beneficial for both of us. He now reads with more care and attention, fully engaging with the content. At the same time, I get the opportunity to practice my Japanese reading skills, even if the material is children's picture books. It has been a reminder that picture books hold tremendous power and depth.

Recently, we came across a picture book called *The Foxes of Chironup Island*. This story moved me to tears, and it sparked meaningful conversations between my son and me. We discussed themes of love between parents and children, the delicate relationship between humans and nature, and the tragedies brought by war. These are profound topics that we rarely encounter in our daily lives, yet they became accessible and relevant through the lens of a picture book.

Reading picture books together has enriched our relationship and brought us incredibly valuable moments. It's a simple routine that has become a cornerstone of our evenings, allowing us to connect on a deeper level. As we continue our reading journey, I look forward to discovering more books that will open our eyes and hearts, deepening our bond even further. This experience has taught me that the most meaningful moments often come from the simplest activities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this time with my son.

It's not just about the stories we read, but about the connections we build, the conversations we have, and the memories we create. By embracing the present and prioritizing this quality time, I’ve found joy in the very moments I once dreaded. The power of picture books has brought us closer, and I am confident that this tradition will continue to enrich our lives in ways we can only imagine.