As a parent, one of the most significant tasks you face is to get your children reading. Reading today is becoming less and less common, especially as so many of us spend time on our smartphones. If you spend all day reading things on a screen, why would you want to then pick up a book?
This, though, is the kind of logic we need to challenge. How, though, can you ensure that your kids start seeing books as a form of entertainment and education they enjoy?
Get started on something smaller
From comic books to graphic novels, you might find it easier to get your kids reading if it is in a smaller format like this. They can then see the enjoyment that stems from reading, and work towards reading full-on books in time.
Give them extra time to read at night
If you are a parent who is serious about strict bedtimes, you should try and give your kids a bit of extra time at night. Kids always want to stay up and read; if you can hand them a book or a tablet like a Kindle, they can sit and read on that for a little bit longer.
It helps them to get that extra time in the evenings for entertainment and ensures reading does not cut into their normal leisure time.
Find books they will connect with
Do your kids happen to love any movies that have a book edition? Get them the book. Start with the simple stuff, and then build up. Show your kids that even movie epics like The Lord of the Rings have even better-written editions that can be enjoyed. This gives your kids more understanding of books and helps them to find books they can relate to internally.
Keep adding to your book collection
One way to keep your kids interested in books is to make sure there is no shortage of fun reading material. Make sure you are always updating your collection. Find books that might match the kind of themes and stories that your kids love. As they grow older and find their own personality and hobbies, you should have no problem finding books that match up with this.
Reward your kids for finishing books
Kids love to be rewarded, right? Well, give your kids some extra rewards for getting through their books. Show them that you are impressed by their reading skills and that they are encouraged to keep reading. A small reward could be anything from a new toy to (hopefully) a book they want to buy. This keeps them interested and engaged in reading until it becomes a natural hobby they enjoy.