Encouraging Your Child to Read

We live in a rapid pace society, where something new is currently invented every minute or second. We, including our children, want everything now-instant gratification. Reading is not on the top of many people's list of activities. They may think, "Why read, when we can see it visually or now?" 

To encourage your child to read, start by being a reader yourself. Let the child see you read during your free time, instead of watching television. Children love to mimic their parents.  Remind yourself that your children do learn from you.

Share with your child your favorite books as a child. Explain to your child why these were your favorite books. Read them to your child. Find out what s/he thinks of your childhood books. Your child will be amazed hearing about your childhood.

Read to your child at bedtime no matter how old they become. Children love to be read to by their parents. Not only is a tradition, but also a way of continuing and developing a strong bond. Every book you read to your child over the years, record the title and author in a book journal (a plain notebook). Your child, and yourself, will probably be amazed at how many books have been read over the years.

If a book has been turned into a movie, challenge your child to read the book first, and then watch the movie as a treat. You can then have discussions to compare and contrast between the book and movie.

Set a goal for your child. If your child wants to have a new toy, tell him/her to read so many books, and discuss them with you. That could be a motivation as well. You can also participate in library activities for children, such as "Books and Babies," Story Time, and even book clubs.

The encouragement of reading can make your family bond strengthen for a life time, so be sure to read with your child at least once per day.