Raising a Lifelong Reader

Kids read books for all kinds of reasons. Some read to escape, some read for entertainment or enjoyment, some read to learn and some read because they are forced to.

If your child doesn’t seem to enjoy reading, there is most likely one of two reasons why:

1. They are reading the wrong sort of books

2. They are reading for the wrong reasons

Luckily, it is never too late to get your child to love reading! Here are 3 easy tips to help you pinpoint why your child might be struggling, and how to turn them into happy readers for life.

1. Let them see you reading!

Kids mirror their parents. If they see you watching TV or mindlessly scrolling through Facebook in your spare time, they are more likely to follow similar pursuits. After all, if it’s good enough for you, then it must be okay for them to do it too, right?

Instead, schedule in some family ‘quiet time’ – whether that be on the weekends, or half an hour before bedtime. Curl up in a comfy chair and read! Books, magazines, newspapers, whatever – it doesn’t matter. You are your child’s greatest influence. If your children see you regularly reading and enjoying it, they will want to do it too.

2. Encourage them to explore different authors and genres

But what if your child is struggling to find something they like? Sometimes kids will give up on reading because it just seems easier than trying hundreds of books, or maybe they think reading isn’t cool. Explore their interests – maybe your child would prefer to read a factual book about their favourite hobby or sport. Maybe they are into drawing and gravitate towards comics or manga. Maybe they have absolutely no idea what they like and are up for a challenging surprise Mystery Book! It might take them a little while (and lots of trips to the library!) before they find their reading niche, but that’s okay. Be patient and positive. Oh, and never ever let them feel bad for not finishing a book they didn’t like.If your child has a favourite author or genre and wants to devour everything they can get their hands on, then by all means let them! It certainly makes getting them to read so much easier.

3. Promote reading as a privelage

Kids who are forced to read lose interest very quickly. Even if they need to read a particular book for school – try and reward them for doing it regularly. Keep a record chart of each chapter they read and get excited with them as they see their progress.

Let them stay up an extra half hour (or hour) past their regular bedtime, only if they are reading a book. This promotes reading as a privilege – something that is fun and exciting, rather than something they have to do.

Reading is one of life’s simplest, yet greatest, pleasures. With a little positive reinforcement, you can have a child who loves to read, well into adulthood.

#kids #reading #teaching