“My 3-year-old daughter is so clever! Just the other day, while we were looking at pictures in a book, she pointed to a dress and said, “This dress is like my mother’s dress.” I was so proud—she was making connections, linking things together. It amazed me to see her thinking that way.”

Siya tells us, “Our connection is strong, and I think that bond is partly because I make an effort to understand and support her,” He goes on to say: “Growing up in the Eastern Cape was different from life now. Back then, discipline meant saying things like, “I will beat you. Why are you doing this?” if you did something wrong. But since starting book-sharing, I’ve realized there’s a better way to discipline. I used to react sharply, with “Jhy, no! Haai” like we Xhosa people do, but these books have softened me. Now, if she’s upset, I hand her a wordless picture book instead. Her favourite is Hide and Seek.”

With book-sharing, Siya understands he is meant to let his daughter lead the way, which he has found to be quite easy because, he jokingly admits, his daughter is often one step ahead of him! She points out details, like saying, “This is an orange, Tata,” without Siya needing to prompt her. “Since we started sharing books, it has helped me see that I don’t need to be so strict to guide my little girl. Since we started, I’ve stopped saying, “I’ll beat you,” and smacking her hand. I’m more patient, and I think it’s brought us closer.”

Siya has noticed that book-sharing has impacted more than just him and his daughter. He explains: “At our church, there are always lots of kids around, but we often do things in front of them without thinking, like drinking or smoking. In our small homes, with only one room, the children are always nearby, watching and listening.” Book-sharing opened Siya’s eyes to how the adult’s behaviour affects the children. “I realized that drinking, smoking, or even shouting near them isn’t right; they’re taking all of this in. There are some things that children shouldn’t be exposed to.”

This experience has shown Siya that protecting our children’s innocence is part of raising them well and ensuring they grow up in an environment that fosters healthy emotional and psychological development. By being mindful of their surroundings and the behaviours adults model, we not only shield them from negative influences but also teach them the values and principles that will guide them throughout their lives. This awareness allows parents like Siya to create a nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive, learn, and develop a strong sense of self without the burdens of adult issues prematurely weighing on them.