Chicago Home And Lifestyles – 3 Steps To Help Your Kids Love Reading

Among kids aged 5 to 18, desire to read is at the lowest levels since 2005. Only about one third of respondents’ report reading in their free time and reading daily. Of course, this is disturbing because reading is fundamental to becoming (and remaining) a well rounded person. Books are windows to other worlds that teach empathy and creativity by engaging the imagination. So, here are a few ideas on how parents can help their children fall in love with reading:

Lead by example. The best way of course is to have your children see you reading for pleasure. Make reading a central part of their lives from birth. Read to them until they learn to read. Take them regularly to the library to choose the books before they can read. Go to a bookstore and give them a budget to buy books that interest them. Low on funds? There are many used bookstores where you can buy books for just a few dollars! 

Choose stories they can relate to. Consider carefully what interests your child. Could it be sports and real-life events, or fantasy and magic? Maybe a historical novel set in a time they are studying in school. Or perhaps the biography of one of their heroes. Then, try to find an author with a series. That way, when they finish one book, they can naturally pick up the next. If possible, introduce them to books where the protagonist is in their age range as well. You can also try passing on authors you love! Many contemporary authors are continuing the legacy of great writers of the past like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S Lewis. 

Make it a shared interest. Talk to your children about what they are reading, what they like about the book or what they don’t. Use your book time as a way to get off electronic devices and really connect. An hour in the evening discussing your favorite parts of a story will do wonders for their desire to read and your relationship. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago