Books, Interrupted

"Never interrupt a reading child," the corollary to the famous axiom about sleeping babies.

Well, I tried to follow the latter, but if I obeyed the former, nothing would get done.  My kiddos wouldn't get out of bed, brush teeth, go to school, do homework, finish chores, leave the house, ride in the car, or go to bed.

Yes, I'm definitely proud of both their reading prowess and enthusiasm.

But I'm tired of being the mean mom who says things like "Stop reading and do your homework."

Yes, it's true, I said that last week.

And every night after SQUIRT (sustained uninterrupted reading time), kisses, and lights out, I find Bud reading by hidden flashlight.  Most of the time he is so enthralled by his book that he doesn't notice my entering his room (and he isn't yet savvy enough to shut off his light at my footsteps.)  And each time, I have to take the light and book out of his room (yes, I give it back--I try each night to trust him and give him another chance.)   Some mornings, he tells me he's read in the middle of the night.  No wonder he's crying over homework.  In the mornings, both of them have to be told not to read in order to get dressed and brush their teeth. They whine anytime they're interrupted.  And I either feel guilty or harassed.  I mean, I love to read and understand the power of delving into a good book. Who wants to be the mom who took away Harry Potter?

AGGGHHHH.

I never thought books would be my on-again/off-again nemesis (even if I know it's a good problem to have.)