How Do I Get My Kids To Read?

Photo credit: Luis Fabres

Kids today are busy. Too much homework, enrichment classes, computer games, and of course television don’t leave much time for reading.

But reading is important. It enriches the mind, sharpens the brains, and develops the imagination. Reading a book is magical, because it has the power to transfer us into completely different place and time. We don’t want our kids to miss out on the magic of reading, do we?

Here are a few practical suggestions for getting your kids to read:

1. Be a an avid reader yourself. If they see that you enjoy reading, they will learn that reading is not a punishment or a chore. They will associate reading with fun and pleasure.

2. Talk about books. Tell them about the books you’ve been reading. Ask them about the books they are reading, or - for younger kids - the stories the teacher read to them at preschool.

3. Read to your kids every night before bed. When they are older, and you’re no longer reading to them, encourage them to read before they go to sleep. Allowing them to stay up longer if they read should work well.

4. Go together to the library or to the local bookstore. Make it a fun outing and allow them to choose their own books.

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