There’s something magical about being a kid—the world feels wide open, and every story is a new adventure. Almost every child lights up when a book is read to them—eyes wide with wonder, imagination soaring, and curiosity at full throttle. But as we grow older, that magic sometimes fades. Life gets busy, and the joy we once found in reading and writing gets pushed to the side, like an old toy left on the shelf.
But here’s the thing: rekindling that love for reading and writing isn’t just about feeling good ourselves (though that’s a big perk). It’s about setting an example for the next generation. If we want to inspire our kids to become passionate, lifelong learners, we’ve got to show them how it’s done.
The Childhood Spark
Remember when you were little? The excitement of discovering a new book, the thrill of getting lost in a story, the fun of crafting your own tales with crayons and paper? For many of us, those early experiences with reading and writing were like first loves. They opened up new worlds, sparked our imagination, and helped us make sense of the world around us.
But then, somewhere along the way, the spark dimmed. School assignments, deadlines, and adulting took over, and suddenly, reading and writing for fun became more of a chore—something to check off a list rather than something to savor.
Why We Need to Reignite Our Passion
As adults, we’ve got a big job: shaping the minds of the next generation. If we want our kids to succeed, we need to lead by example. That means reigniting our own love for reading and writing and letting that passion spill over into our daily lives.
When kids see us reading for fun, they learn that books are more than just homework—they’re gateways to knowledge, empathy, and understanding. When they see us writing—whether it’s journaling, crafting a story, or just jotting down random thoughts—they see that writing is a powerful tool for expression and reflection.
Reigniting our passion for these activities isn’t just about us—it’s about creating an environment where learning is valued and celebrated. It’s about showing our kids that reading and writing are lifelong pursuits that bring joy, meaning, and fulfillment.
The Power of Asking Beautiful Questions
In Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question, he talks about how asking the right kinds of questions—ambitious, open-ended, and thought-provoking ones—can spark new ideas and help us solve problems. It’s a fancy way of saying that sometimes, it’s not about having the answers, but about asking the right questions.
This idea can really help us rekindle our passion for reading and writing. As adults, we sometimes think we’ve outgrown these activities or just don’t have the time or energy for them anymore. But what if we asked ourselves some new questions? Like, What if reading and writing could bring me as much joy now as they did when I was a kid? Or, What if I haven’t yet discovered the kinds of books or writing that really light me up?
By asking these kinds of questions, we open ourselves up to the possibility of rediscovering our love for reading and writing. We challenge the assumption that we’ve outgrown these activities and instead approach them with curiosity and a willingness to explore.
The Challenge of Finding Our Style
One of the biggest hurdles for many adults is finding their own style of reading and writing. We might feel disconnected because we’ve been taught there’s a “right” way to do these things. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Just like our kids need time and space to discover what kinds of stories they love, we too need to explore and experiment. Maybe you’re not into novels, but you love biographies or audiobooks. Or perhaps you enjoy writing poetry, blogging, or even just keeping a daily journal. The key is to find what resonates with you and to give yourself permission to enjoy it—without judgment.
As you explore, keep asking yourself those beautiful questions: What kind of writing makes me feel most alive? What books do I get lost in? How can I make time for these activities in a way that enriches my life?
Leading by Example
At the end of the day, we want our kids to be better than us—to surpass us in their achievements, wisdom, and happiness. But to help them on that journey, we’ve got to walk the path ourselves. We can’t preach the importance of reading and writing if we’re not practicing it. We can’t expect them to develop a love for learning if we’ve lost our own.
By reigniting our passion for reading and writing, we not only enrich our lives but also equip ourselves to better support our children. We can share in their challenges, celebrate their successes, and guide them with empathy and understanding. We can be the role models they need, showing them that learning is a lifelong adventure worth pursuing.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Reigniting our love for reading and writing isn’t just a gift to ourselves—it’s a gift we give to our children. We show them that the joy of learning never has to fade, that stories and words are powerful companions throughout life’s journey. And in doing so, we rediscover a part of ourselves that we may have forgotten—a part that still marvels at the wonders of a good book, still finds peace in the rhythm of words, and still believes in the power of imagination.
So, let’s pick up that book we’ve been meaning to read, dust off that journal, and reignite the passion that once filled our childhood hearts. Let’s do it for ourselves, and let’s do it for the next generation. After all, the love of learning is one of the greatest gifts we can give—and it all begins with us.
