How to help kids fall in love with reading

If you’re a voracious reader and a book lover, then chances are, you’d want your kids to be the same. But sometimes, because of too many distractions available out there, they need a little help in falling in love with reading. Parents know you can’t force your kids to do anything, but you can steer them in the right direction.

Here are some tips on how you can entice them to read and to start a lifetime love affair with books and reading.

Let them see you reading.

We all know that old adage that whatever the kids see you doing, they’ll do the same. So if your kids see you reading, they’ll be curious, they’ll ask you what you’re doing, and pretty soon, they’ll be doing the same. Read by example is probably one of the best ways to get them to read.

Read to them.

This will not just encourage them to love books and also to learn how to read, but this is also a good bonding moment for you, especially when they still cannot read on their own. It also doesn’t mean that can only do it before bedtime. It can be anytime during the day. It can even be a reward for chores done or assignments finished.

Make book gifts special.

Depending on your budget, it’s a good idea to occasionally give them books as gifts, not just as a necessary purchase. You can give them random gifts, books as rewards for a job well done, and for really special occasions, give them a special edition book or even a complete edition of a book series they love. Ask any book lover and they will probably cite gift books as some of their most treasured childhood possessions.

Expose them to different genres.

Not all kids will love action/adventure books or fairy tales. Don’t force them to just read one kind of books. Try to expose them to as many different, appropriate genres and they will discover their favorite/favorites. And when they’re old enough, let them choose their own genres/books.

Schedule a no TV/Internet Family Reading Night every week/month

It’s hard to compete with other forms of media. So every once in a while, you should have a “disconnected” night where every member of the family will spend a few hours together, just reading. Each person can choose their own reading material. It can be a physical book, an ebook (just make sure WiFi is turned off), a graphic novel/comic book, a magazine, etc. You can even discuss afterwards what each of you learned from what you read.

Don’t pit technology against reading.

It’s easy to fall into the trap that technology is the enemy of reading. But there are children that are really more drawn to screens rather than the printed page. So if they prefer reading on a tablet, don’t discourage it. You can also introduce reading-related apps that can help them to be more interested in content. A lot of games also have tie-in books so you can use that as a gateway for them to read more books.

Create a reading nook in your house.

Sometimes, having a real nice place where you can read your book is a good way to attract kids to reading. It doesn’t have to be a big area, just a small space in your house where the bookshelf is located. Throw in a bean bag or mat and pillows. Have a small table where they can place their snacks and drinks. If you have the budget to redecorate, accent the area with things in their favorite color or with their favorite characters. Make it a place where they will want to curl up and read.