Beware, Lights Off! My Middle Child Joins the Nighttime Reading Club

It’s official: my middle child has reached a milestone that’s both familiar and heartwarming. Last night, I uttered the words I thought I’d perfected years ago with my oldest: “Beware, lights off! No more reading tonight!” Yes, my daughter has joined the ranks of relentless bedtime readers, and I couldn’t be prouder—or more amused. It’s like déjà vu, only this time it’s with her unique spark and determination.

The flashback to her big brother’s journey is almost uncanny. At 13, he’s now a full-fledged bookworm who can finish a thick fantasy novel before I’ve even located my reading glasses. I remember the exact moment I caught him sneaking a flashlight under the covers, utterly engrossed in a story he just couldn’t put down. Now, it’s her turn. The difference? She’s perfected her own stealth tactics, from hiding books under her pillow to arguing (quite convincingly) that “just one more chapter” won’t hurt.

What’s striking is how this shared love of reading has brought its own rhythm to our household. Sure, the battle of bedtime versus books can be a challenge, but it’s also a tradition I secretly cherish. The glow of a child captivated by a world of words feels like a gift. And seeing her follow in her brother’s footsteps—not because she has to, but because she’s found her own joy in stories—feels like watching a part of our family’s legacy unfold.

So, as I flip off the light and remind her to rest those eager eyes, I can’t help but smile. There’s something magical about this phase of childhood, where imagination soars and bedtime rules become, well, negotiable. Here’s to raising readers—one “lights off!” at a time!

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