The habit of reading is best ingrained during childhood, which is why raising a child who loves to read takes hard work. Here are five ways to inspire a lasting love of reading while still young.
1. Create Time For Reading
Allotting time to read everyday will encourage kids to grab a book. Kids will especially be motivated to read before bed if this will allow them to stay up even for 30 minutes longer.
Many parents think that as soon their kids learn how to read on their own, they no longer need to be read to. However, kids are also more likely to like reading when their parents read to them. This would also allow the perfect time to connect with kids emotionally and trigger good discussions about values, morals and choices in life.
2. Get Creative
Kids will enjoy books longer when parents read to them aloud to spark their attention. Kids love drama as much as grown-ups do so lose your inhibitions when reading to a child, according to Baby Center. Children would also love playing pretend if they actively participate in the story, especially when reading some of the classic books.
3. Choose Books They Like
It's extremely common for kids to become book lovers when they get hooked on a series. Choose genres they are passionate about such as fantasy, science fiction or even detective work.
It doesn't really matter what kids are reading about, as long as it's appropriate for their age. Once parents feel that it's time for their kids to tackle the next level, choose slightly harder books to read.
4. Go To The Library
Time spent in the library can encourage a child's love for reading either from scanning the huge selection of books to choosing from a shelf of their favorites. Librarians also have a huge selection of books for kids of various ages, which make them a good source for suggestions, according to Aha! Parenting.
5. Limit Technology
There is absolutely no way for a good book to compete with a TV, computer or smartphone. Limiting screen usage until the love for reading is established may be a good option to encourage the habit of reading books.
