What a SUPER kid!

Braden is my little reader. He can sit for hours and hours with books and read quietly undisturbed. He's always loved them and we've always loved reading them to him. We decided this summer that we were going to take advantage of the Milwaukee Public Library's Summer Reading Program. It was themed around the "Super Why" public television program which Braden enjoys. When he found out that he could win a beanie baby he was all set to participate!

We went down to the library about every two weeks which took a little bit of dedication on my part. We do have the Wauwatosa library just down the street and to go downtown takes about 15 minutes and requires street parking. It's such an amazing library though that I am always so thankful we went. Not only is the book selection quadruple what our local library has but the building is so grand and the children's area is spectacular! There is a light house they can climb into and read, puppets and a stage, a train table, lego table and more. It's VERY kid friendly and we have a good time every time we're there.

Needless to say Braden received his beanie baby Friday morning. We returned our last set of books and will now return to our local library for check-outs. He has read many, many books both on his own and with us this summer and earned coupons to local attractions, an awesome yard sign which he is quite proud of and yes... a lion beanie baby! Way to go buddy!!

Another one of his accomplishments also has to do with reading. My good reader has been a good sleeper as well. He is still the child who I wake from naps so that he'll actually go to bed at night. A few weeks ago Braden decided that he wasn't going to go to sleep. We'd put him down around 8 and when we headed up anywhere between 9 and 10 his light was on and he was either passed out cold with books surrounding him on his bed or he was still up reading. Although I can't think of a better problem to have we still wanted him to have good sleep at night so Steve and I did some brainstorming and came up with an incentive program.

When we put Braden to bed, we set a timer. The amount of time depends on how tired he is and also how late it is. He is allowed to stay up with his light on and read until his timer goes off. When it goes off he needs to turn off his light and go to sleep. If he does this without getting out of bed he earns a sticker. When he earns three stickers he gets to choose from our list. We have some special time with mommy and daddy on the list and also the choice of picking out a new book or toy.

It has totally worked. I feel really good about the fact that we aren't telling him he can't read but he's been successful and responsible when it's time to turn off his light. What a big deal for a 4 1/2 year old. I couldn't be more proud of him and of Steve and I for finding a solution that works for us all!!

Way to go family. :)