Reading aloud to your children is one of the most powerful ways to build a love of reading in them.
Reading with your children can also help you and your child communicate better, encourage their imagination, teach them how to think critically, increase their self-esteem, and make the world a smaller place.
Here are 5 tips for raising kids who love to read:
1. Take turns reading aloud each night
When there are two or more kids in the family, it’s hard for parents to keep up with the demands of reading to everyone. So the kids get turned off.
If you have more than one child, try to take turns reading aloud each night. It will be easier for you and your children will appreciate it more. You can even try alternating nights so that each child gets read to on a different night of the week.
Their cognitive development will benefit, and so will your relationship with them.
2. Have your children help you choose what to read
Many parents struggle with finding books that their children will enjoy reading aloud. Here’s a great tip: have your children help you pick out books to read together at bedtime or at other times during the day.
If your child doesn’t like the book, they’ll let you know right away and you can find something else to read together instead.
Or, if they do like it, they’ll be more willing to sit through it even if it’s not their favorite thing in the world to do at that moment! Favorite books often become the go-to books that kids want to read repeatedly.
3. Set aside time each day for reading aloud (or listening)
It’s easy for parents and kids alike to get caught up in their busy lives and neglect this very important part of building a love of reading in kids!
But if reading is an important part of your family life, make sure everyone knows that every day is “reading time.”
Whether it’s just 10 minutes or an hour or two every day, make sure there is some set time each day when everyone can relax and enjoy some quality time together.
For child development, reading aloud is an important part of their daily lives. When children hear their parents reading aloud, they learn to love reading and the power of words.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.
4. Be a role model for your children
Children learn best by example, so make sure that they see you enjoying books every day as well!
Even if you don’t have kids yet, start establishing this habit now so that when they do come along, it will be easy for them to follow in your footsteps! And remember... adults need time for pleasure reading too!
Your daily routine doesn‘t have to revolve around children. Don‘t feel guilty about taking time for yourself.
5. Read books on topics that interest your children
This effective strategy is especially important for children who are just learning to read. Interesting topics always improve their literacy skills.
For example, if your child is interested in animals, make sure you’re reading books about them. This will help them learn new vocabulary and also help you communicate with them more effectively.
If your child loves science, read books about it! Reading about things that interest your child will increase their language skills, encourage their curiosity, and spark their imagination.
Even if you do not know what books would interest your child, don’t worry! You can always check out some kid-friendly websites, board books, magazines, or even audio books to find suggestions.
Joining book clubs can also be a good idea for you and your children!
Raising Kids Who Love to Read
Raising kids who love to read is not an effortless task. But if you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to raising kids who will learn to love reading and the world of words.
If you want more help with this important topic, you can always ask the rest of our readers in the comments below! Also check out our blog for more parenting tips and ideas.
