With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get

In the heartfelt words of Beverly Cleary, "With twins, reading aloud to them was the only chance I could get to sit down. I read them picture books until they were reading on their own," we are invited into the intimate space of a mother’s love for her children and her dedication to their growth. Cleary, a celebrated author of children's literature, speaks not only of the joy and importance of reading, but also of the sacrifice and dedication that come with parenthood. In her reflection, reading aloud becomes not merely a task or a routine, but an opportunity—a brief moment of stillness in a busy world, where she could connect with her children and nurture their minds. It is a simple act, yet one that reflects the wisdom of the ancients who valued the power of stories in shaping minds and hearts.

In the ancient Greek tradition, storytelling was a sacred act. The Homeric epics, such as the Iliad and Odyssey, were passed down through oral tradition, where elders would gather around the fire, reading aloud, not only to entertain, but to teach. The Greeks understood that storytelling had the power to shape the soul, to mold the values of a people, and to pass on lessons of virtue and courage. In much the same way, Cleary’s reading aloud to her children was not just an act of nurturing, but an act of education, of instilling a love for stories and the power of words that would shape their futures. The act of reading aloud was an essential thread in the tapestry of their upbringing, providing a foundation for their intellectual and emotional development.

The notion that a parent’s involvement in education shapes the future of a child is not new. In Plato’s Republic, he spoke of the importance of stories in shaping the character of youth. He believed that the stories children hear will ultimately shape their moral compass. For Plato, it was essential that the stories children encountered be ones that fostered virtue and wisdom, that they would lead to justice and the flourishing of society. In the same vein, Cleary’s choice to read aloud to her children was a deliberate effort to guide their moral and intellectual growth. Each picture book, each story, was an opportunity to shape her children’s worldview, to plant the seeds of curiosity, imagination, and understanding that would eventually blossom into independent reading.

Consider the story of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, who deeply valued the role of education in shaping the future of individuals and society. His teachings emphasized the importance of learning and reflection, and he viewed the act of teaching as a sacred duty. Confucius himself was a lover of literature, and he believed that reading and understanding the classics would lead to a life of virtue and wisdom. Like Cleary, Confucius knew that knowledge passed down through words, whether spoken aloud or read silently, was a tool for growth. His dedication to teaching others, and his insistence on learning throughout life, reflects the importance of stories in shaping the moral fabric of the individual and the society.

Cleary’s reflection on reading aloud also highlights the importance of time—the fleeting moments that pass quickly in the rush of daily life. As she notes, her twins were growing, and the act of reading aloud to them became the rare occasion when she could sit down and share something meaningful. In the hustle of parenting and life, these moments become precious, not only for the act of reading but for the connection they foster. The ancient wisdom of the Romans—particularly in the works of Seneca—stresses the importance of reflection and presence in our lives. Seneca wrote, "It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it." The act of reading aloud to her children became, for Cleary, a way to pause in the moment and connect deeply with them, to foster growth while ensuring that no time was wasted.

In modern life, Cleary’s practice can serve as a reminder to us all that we should value the moments of stillness and connection that we have with those we love. The act of reading aloud to children is not simply about teaching them to read, but about creating lasting memories and instilling values. Whether through stories of heroism, adventure, or love, these moments of connection help to mold the hearts and minds of the next generation. The act of reading aloud becomes a ritual, a shared experience, that forms a deep bond between parent and child—a bond that transcends time and fosters a lifetime love of stories and learning.

The lesson from Cleary’s words is clear: the most important things we can do for others—especially for our children—are often simple acts of love, presence, and dedication. Just as Cleary dedicated herself to reading aloud to her children, so too can we dedicate ourselves to teaching, listening, and connecting. The wisdom of the ancients, from Plato to Confucius, reminds us that stories, whether told aloud or absorbed silently, are not mere distractions, but essential tools for growth and learning. Let us be mindful of the power of the words we share, the time we spend with loved ones, and the lessons we impart through the simple acts of reading, teaching, and listening. For in these moments, we plant the seeds of future wisdom, understanding, and love.