Raising a Child Who Loves Reading

By far the most effective way to encourage your children to love books is to read to them, and the earlier you start, the better. Even a baby of a few months can see images, while listening to your voice and watching you turning the pages.

Make this special time together part of a routine in the house. When you hold your kids and share the pleasure of a story without any other distractions, you create memorable memories by helping them to grow up as happy and confident individuals. You also may be surprised to find that a children’s book is often as big a delight to you as it is to the kids themselves!

Once they start growing up and able to read by themselves, encourage them to read to you when they can. This shared enjoyment will continue to strengthen your children’s interest and appreciation, as well as the relationship parent/child. Let them read to you about what they like most, and talk to you about it.

Another good idea is to start a home library for the kids since they are very small: even if it’s just a shelf or two, but give them the ability to reach for books without your help every time. Having books and magazines around the house will also help children view them as part of daily life, and your example of reading frequently and enjoying it, will reinforce that view.

Allow the little ones to touch, smell, and even “taste” books made for infants, as it will help them to develop appreciation for it. The way you handle books will eventually influence how your kids handle them as well. Kids copy what they see, so if they watch us enjoying reading, it is more than likely that they will enjoy it too.

And if your children start asking for more books than you have at home, it may be the right time to introduce them to the local Library. If you are not familiar with it, don’t hesitate in asking for help. The librarian is trained to help you locate specific books, recommended for a particular age group.

We hope you enjoyed the reading, and please keep in mind:

1. Read to your child from the earliest age
2. Read to your child as often as possible
3. Don’t stop reading to him/her once he/she learns to read
4. Ritualize daily reading time
5. Read yourself
6. Begin visiting the library regularly :)