8 Tips for How to Get Your Child Reading More

I feel like this is a hassle for many parents. They want their child(ren) to read more, but aren't entirely sure how.

Disclaimer: I'm not a parent, although I want to be one day. But I have dealt with my younger cousins enough to have a fair idea of how to get children reading more. And please remember that there's no "wrong" way to go about this. Parents need to go about this in the way that's best for them, as a family, and in a way that's best for their children.

Tip 1: We all know the phrase "Monkey see, monkey do."

Children are like monkeys. They're also like parrots. If they see you doing something, they'll copy you. If they see that you're constantly on your phone, computer, or watching tv, they'll constantly want to be on a phone, computer, or watching tv. But if they see you reading, they'll want to read. And children grow into these habits. (They can grow out of them, but that's not the point here.)

Tip 2: Read with your child.

Yes, it's easy for a child to see you reading and then want to read. But if you actually read with your child (or to your child, depending on age), then that also helps instill a habit of reading. Don't go crazy on the reading choices, though, because a 500 page book is not suitable for a 5 year old.

Tip 3: Once your child gets to a certain age, let them start choosing the books.

What age this happens at is wholly up to you as a parent. This allows them to figure out what they want to read at a particular point in time.

Tip 4: Have a bookshelf in their room.

Just having one bookshelf in their room can help them realize that books are an accessible form of media. It doesn't have to be a giant bookshelf. And it doesn't need to be fancy, expensive, or highly decorated. Just have it there, and have their books on it.

Tip 5: Take them to bookstores and let them wander (supervised wandering, of course).

We all gravitate to our own sections at bookstores. I say let them wander (with supervision) at the bookstore for a couple of reasons. First: they get the layout of the bookstore - where things are (i.e. where employees may be, cash registers, customer service, etc), and where the different sections generally are. Second: you can see what sections and titles they gravitate to, even at an early age. They'll be interested in anything, even if a specific book is too much for their age. But even if that's the case, you can always find child-friendly material on the subject for them to access.

Tip 6: Talk to them about what they read.

Ask them what they liked or didn't like, their favorite characters, favorite scenes. If you can engage with your child about the reading, then you can get an idea of what other books they may like.

Tip 7: Show them that they can read anywhere.

Most settings can be made into a good reading setting. Of course, there are times and places where it may not be appropriate to pull out a book and read. But there are times and places that may not be, at first glance, good "reading spots," but where books end up coming in handy. Examples are lines, waits for appointments, the DMV, and so many others.

Tip 8: Always have a book on hand.

I have suggested this tip in so many ways. But if you always have a book on hand, in any format, then your child sees that you'll take any opportunity to get in a bit of reading during your day.