My 5-year-old granddaughter spelled L-A-D-Y-B-U-G out loud.
No tablet. No YouTube. No asking Siri.
Where’d she learn it? Right here. 8:02pm. This nightstand. This rocking chair.
After 30 years of putting kids to bed, I learned...
Screens don’t make readers. Routines do.
I’m Tina, Certified Aromatherapist since 2013. But I’m also NanaTee. These 5 things are actually in my Granddaughter's room right now.
1. CURIOUS GEORGE CLASSIC COLLECTION
Why it’s NanaTee approved: George gets into trouble, then fixes it. Teaches problem-solving without a lecture.
NanaTee’s Rule: One book = one M&M. Finish the chapter, get the candy. Pawpaw calls it bribery. I call it motivation.
Shop it: [https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E]
2. YELLOW LAMP
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Warm light tells little brains “it’s sleepy time.” Blue light from tablets tells them “it’s circus time.”
NanaTee’s Rule: Lamp goes on at 7:30. NCIS goes off at 8. House rules.
Shop it: [https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E]
3. BLUE ALARM CLOCK
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Kids can’t read digital. They CAN read a clock face. “When the little hand is on 8, Pawpaw reads.”
NanaTee’s Rule: They set it themselves. Teaches time + responsibility.
Shop it: [https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E]
4. TEDDY BEAR + BUNNY
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Stuffed animals are the audience. Grandkids “read” to them before they can read to me.
NanaTee’s Rule: If the bear can’t hear the story, speak louder. Builds confidence.
Shop it: [https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E]
5. ROCKING CHAIR WITH STAR PILLOW
Why it’s NanaTee approved: My hip went out at 52. This chair + a grandkid on my lap = best physical therapy.
NanaTee’s Rule: No rocking = no story. Movement calms them down faster than lavender. Almost.
Shop it: [https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E]
THE NO-SCREENS BEDTIME ROUTINE
7:30pm: Yellow lamp on. Tablets off.
7:35pm: Pick 1 book from the nightstand. Grandkid picks. Not me.
7:40pm: Rock + read. Stop at every page. “What do YOU think George should do?”
8:00pm: Alarm clock gets set BY THEM for morning.
8:02pm: Teddy bear gets tucked in. Grandkid follows.
This is how a Louisiana Nana makes readers. Not with apps. With George and a lap.
WHY TRUST MY NURSERY?
I taught Pre-K through 2nd grade over 20 years. Now I’m a grandma with 3 grandkids under 7 and a Pawpaw who still wants a bedtime story.
This routine survived hurricanes, sleepovers, and the year we had 5 kids in the house.
Everything here passed my Toothbrush Rule: If it won’t teach them something, I don’t buy it.
See every item in my real nursery here:
NanaTee’s “Grandkid Gifts That Teach” → https://amzn.to/4yz5p5E
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That helps me keep the stories and M&M’s free. Merci, sha.
YOUR TURN
What book made YOUR grandkids readers? Caps for Sale? Goodnight Moon? Tell me below so I can add it to my list.
With love, a little George, and a lot of rocking,
NanaTee
P.S. Pin this routine for later. Your future self at 7:45pm will thank you.
Important Note:
Choking hazard: Small parts on toys/books. Supervise kids under 3. For educational use only.
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