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💕 Fall in Love With Reading (Not Just Candy!)

This February, we are helping children do something powerful…Fall in love with reading. 💕 Complete 10 reading Missions!  

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Feb 17, 2026

New Year, New Habits: How to Build Character (Without the Stress!)

Shaping those minds doesn't require "perfect" parenting. It happens through small, consistent, and joyful moments. Don't try to "fix everything" this January. Just pick one routine, make it a game, and celebrate the progress.

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Jan 15, 2026

The Giving Tree Challenge: A TJ's Lessons Generosity Game

Giving is so much more than just gifts! It's about sharing time, kindness, encouraging words, helpful actions, and love. This heartwarming activity is designed to help children truly grasp this concept.

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Dec 15, 2025

Discovering Daily Joy: Unleash the Power of Gratitude with a "Thankful Treasure Hunt"! 🧡

Gratitude isn't just a polite "thank you." It's a powerful emotion that has been scientifically linked to increased happiness, resilience, and overall well-being.

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Nov 19, 2025

Why Representation Matters: The Importance of Diverse Children's Books

When kids see characters who look like them, doing amazing things or handling everyday situations, it changes their perspective.

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Jun 26, 2025

Why Kindness Matters: Teaching Empathy Through Children's Stories

Children's stories that highlight empathy and compassion help kids understand why kindness matters and how it positively affects the world around them.

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Jun 26, 2025

Tips for Turning Bedtime Stories into Powerful Learning Moments

With books featuring diverse and relatable characters, such as those found in stories highlighting Black experiences, bedtime becomes more than just a nightly routine.

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Jun 26, 2025

Teaching Responsibility Through Storytelling: Books That Guide and Inspire

Children's books that focus on responsibility provide engaging, relatable scenarios that guide young readers toward thoughtful, mature behavior.

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Jun 26, 2025

How Reading Aloud Can Boost Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, often called EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage emotions effectively.

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Jun 09, 2025

Benefits of Early Literacy: How Books Empower Young Black Minds

Here’s how books featuring Black characters and Black authors empower young Black minds.

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Jun 03, 2025

Creating a Positive Reading Environment at Home: Advice for Black Families

 For Black families, selecting books featuring Black characters and stories by Black authors is especially powerful.

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Jun 03, 2025
THE

Reading Room

💕 Fall in Love With Reading (Not Just Candy!)
5 min read

💕 Fall in Love With Reading (Not Just Candy!)

This February, we are helping children do something powerful…Fall in love with reading. 💕 Complet...

L.C. Rogers
L.C. Rogers
Tue, 17 February 2026

A TJ’s Lessons February Blog

Let’s be honest for a second… 👀

If your child could choose between:
🍫 Candy
📱 Screen time
📚 A book

Which one are they picking first?

(Be honest, parents… we already know the answer. 😂)

But what if reading felt just as exciting as a Valentine’s surprise?

This February, we are helping children do something powerful…
Fall in love with reading. 💕


🤔 Let’s Ask the Kids First!

Before we start, ask your child this question:

“If books were candy… which one would you pick first?”

Then ask:

  • A funny book?

  • An adventure book?

  • A book about kids like YOU?

  • Or a book with BIG lessons, fun and adventure, plus kids like you, like TJ’s Lessons?

When kids feel included, they become more interested.
And interest turns into love.
And love turns into reading habits.


💡 The Lesson: What You Practice, You Grow

Here is this month’s TJ’s Lesson:

When you practice reading, your brain gets stronger every single day.

Just like:

  • You brush your teeth to keep them clean 🪥

  • You practice kindness to be a good friend 💛

  • You practice reading to become a confident learner 📚

Reading is not about being perfect.
It is about growing.

And guess what?
Even TJ had to practice!


🎮 NEW February Game 

💘 “Reading Cupid Challenge”

(Ages 1–9 | Parent & Child Game)

Cupid is flying around this month… but instead of arrows, he’s dropping reading missions! 💌📚

Your mission?
Complete the reading challenges before Cupid “delivers” a prize!


💌 How to Play

  1. Cut 10 small hearts from paper (or draw them)

  2. Write ONE challenge on each heart

  3. Place them in a bowl or box

  4. Each day, your child picks ONE heart

  5. Complete the challenge together!

Simple. Fun. Zero stress. Maximum learning.


❤️ Reading Cupid Challenge Ideas

(Parent-approved + TJ’s Lessons style)

  • Read a story with a big smile 😄

  • Use your listening ears during story time 👂🏽

  • Read instead of screen time for 10 minutes 📵

  • Tell about your favorite part of the story

  • Sit still and stay on task while reading

  • Use kind words after story time

  • Help put books back when finished

  • Act out your favorite character 🎭

  • Read with a parent or family member

  • Say one lesson you learned from the story


😂 Fun Parent Moment (Because We Get It)

Some days your child will say:
“I don’t want to read!”

Then 5 minutes later:
“Can you read one more story?”

Sound familiar? 👀😂

That’s because once children get INTO the story, they enjoy it more than they expected!


🧠 Why This Works (TJ’s Lessons Style)

The TJ’s Lessons series is built on real-life lessons kids understand.

Not boring lessons.
Not lectures.
Real lessons through fun stories kids LOVE.

When children see:

  • Characters like them

  • Situations they relate to

  • Lessons they can use in real life

They don’t just read.
They connect.

And connection creates a LOVE for reading.


💕 Quick Valentine Reading Challenge (Ask Your Child Tonight!)

Ask:
“What did your book teach you today?”

Not:
“How many pages did you read?”

Because at TJ’s Lessons, we care about:
✨ Lessons learned
✨ Confidence built
✨ Character developed

Not just page numbers.


🌟 Final Thought From TJ

Reading is not a punishment.
Reading is a superpower. 💥📚

And this February, we are not just giving kids candy and cards…

We are helping them
💖 Fall in love with reading
💖 Fall in love with learning
💖 Fall in love with becoming their best selves

Because the stories kids love today…
become the lessons they carry for life.


📚 Stories Kids Love. Lessons Parents Trust.™

Perfect for ages 1–9 and growing with your child.

New Year, New Habits: How to Build Character (Without the Stress!)
5 min read

New Year, New Habits: How to Build Character (Without the Stress!)

Shaping those minds doesn't require "perfect" parenting. It happens through small, consistent, an...

L.C. Rogers
L.C. Rogers
Thu, 15 January 2026

Happy New Year, TJ’s Lessons family!

If you’re anything like me, January arrives with a burst of big energy and even bigger goals. But let’s be real: while we’re busy planning new routines, our kids are still... well, being kids!

Instead of overwhelming your family with unrealistic pressure and rigid resolutions, I want to share a fun, low-stress activity you can start today. It helps build responsibility, kindness, and confidence without the constant nagging.

Because here’s the truth: Kids learn best when it feels like play.


The Game-Changer: TJ’s “Big Choices” Bingo

This isn't just a chore chart; it’s a goal-setting game that teaches kids that good choices add up. It puts the power in their hands to track their own progress and feel proud of their growth.

What you’ll need:

  • A piece of paper (or a printed sheet)
  • Markers or crayons
  • 5 minutes of prep time
  • A child who loves to win (so… every child!)

How to Play

  1. Draw your board: Create a simple grid (3x3 is perfect for younger kids).
  2. Fill the squares: Write one “Big Choice” in each square (see our ideas below).
  3. Color as you go: Every time your child completes a task, they color in that square.
  4. Win a prize: When they complete a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal), they earn a small reward!

Mom Tip: Start with "easy wins" during the first week. When kids feel successful early on, they stay motivated to tackle the harder challenges later in the month!

"Big Choice" Square Ideas

You can customize these to fit your child’s current hurdles, but here are some of our favorites:

  • I used my "listening ears" the first time.
  • I cleaned up without being asked.
  • I told the truth, even when it was hard.
  • I used kind words today.
  • I apologized when I was wrong.
  • I tried again instead of giving up.

Fun Reward Ideas

  • Pick the bedtime story.
  • Choose the family movie for Friday night.
  • 15 minutes of extra "stay up late" time.
  • A special one-on-one "cuddle session."
  • Pick the weekend's fun activity.

Why This Works

The goal isn't perfection; it’s progress. By turning character-building into a challenge, you shift the dynamic from a lecture to a competition. This game naturally reinforces:

  • Accountability: They see their own actions on paper.
  • Persistence: They want to finish that row!
  • Self-Control: They stop to think, "Is this a Big Choice?"

Bonus: The Family Reset Jar

If you want to take the teamwork a step further, try the Reset Jar. Whenever the energy in the house feels a bit chaotic, have a child pull a slip of paper from the jar for a 5-minute family "reset."

Jar Ideas:

  • The 5-Minute Blitz: Everyone cleans one room as fast as they can.
  • The Gratitude Circle: Everyone shares one thing they are thankful for.
  • The Honesty Moment: Share one truth you’re proud of telling today.
  • The Kindness Note: Write one nice message and stick it on the fridge.

A Final Note from TJ’s Lessons

At TJ’s Lessons, we live by one core belief:

"It’s much easier to shape young minds than to reshape grown ones."™

Shaping those minds doesn't require "perfect" parenting. It happens through small, consistent, and joyful moments. Don't try to "fix everything" this January. Just pick one routine, make it a game, and celebrate the progress.

One good choice today builds the character of tomorrow.

Want stories that help these lessons stick? The TJ’s Lessons 5-book series helps kids learn character in a way they actually enjoy. Perfect for bedtime or the classroom!

Explore the series at TJsLessons.com

Best regards, The TJ’s Lessons Care Team