15 Ways to Trick Your Kids into Becoming Avid Readers

I’ve recently been to a friends home and she complained to me that her oldest son just wouldn’t read. I looked around, and there wasn’t a book in sight. So I asked her whether she herself ever reads and she told me she did read sometimes, after everyone’s gone to bed. Which means her son’s probably never seen her reading. So then I asked her what does she do to encourage him. She said she tells him to. True story.

It then became apparent to me that some parents think that the interest in reading is a natural attribute, and at certain age it should simply kick in. Nothing could be further from the truth. Turning a child into a habitual reader is a parent’s responsibility and it starts even before the child is born. Here’s what you should do to turn your kid into an avid reader.

1. Read to your kid from an early age

Even before the child is born, reading to them develops the feel for language and gets them accustomed to the voices of their parents. As babies, children don’t yet understand the words, but they still benefit a great deal. They learn how to hold a book, which way the line goes, how the pages are turned, and that reading is a fun family activity. An ideal time to start reading to your child is the third trimester of pregnancy, and you should carry on until they are about 11 to 13 years old.

2. Make reading interactive

Don’t read at your children, read with your children. Show pictures, ask them to point to characters, role play, use all the drama training you have or you wish you had — kids are a pretty easy audience.

3. Lead by example

Set an example by reading books in front of your children, they’ll surely want to follow suit. Share your excitement for a new book, or tell them how impressed you are by the one you’ve just read.

4. Have books at the ready

First, you never know when the mood will strike — your kid might get jealous of you reading a book and want one of their own. Second, by simply being there books present a viable alternative to toys and devices, it’s an open invitation to explore.

5. Follow your kid’s interests

Motivation is a fragile little thing and, rather than force it, you should carefully cultivate and enhance what’s already there. Watch for any developing interests and hobbies, make suggestions, and provide multiple reading options. Let your child take the lead on this one.

6. Take your kid to a bookstore

Your child is probably not aware of all the variety of book formats and topics that are available these days. And, most likely, neither are you. Take a trip to a bookstore or a library and let your child explore on their own — they are guaranteed to appreciate the freedom of choice and the feeling of impending adulthood that comes with it.

7. Choose age-appropriate books

Make sure to match your child’s reading level. Books that are too easy will be boring, and books that are too advanced will be discouraging. Either of those things may turn your kids off reading. Keep in mind, however, that the books that you read to your child may be a level or two above their own reading level as listening vocabulary develops ahead of the reading vocabulary.

8. Go beyond books

It’s important to show that reading is practical and a part of our daily lives. Encourage your kids to read everything from menus, to road signs, movie posters, and brand names. Show them that reading is a way to become empowered and gain independence.

9. Create a daily ritual

If you manage to turn reading into a daily habit, then it might never even occur to your child that not reading is an option. Start from an early age by reading to your child, and, as they begin to read on their own, turn it into a family reading session. It doesn’t even have to be that long — research says that 15 minutes is plenty and there is no measurable benefit to reading for longer than that. Although it doesn’t hurt either.

10. Equip a reading area

Reinforce the ritual by creating a designated reading spot. Think cozy corner with a bean bag, reading lights, and minimum distractions. Alternatively, wait until your child picks their own spot and make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable.

11. Make older kids read to younger siblings

Nothing works quite as well as endowing your children with adult responsibilities. The sense of pride and the motivation to do well are overwhelming. Use it to your advantage by asking older kids to help read to their younger siblings and, after some supervision, delegate the task altogether. In general, it is a good idea to involve older kids in the care of younger siblings. It helps to combat jealousy and rivalry, and to establish a better relationship between them.

12. Discuss the material

Part of what makes reading so enjoyable is that it goes beyond what’s on the page. It prompts analysis, triggers imagination, and relates to our experiences in real life. Help your children establish these connections by discussing the material and by asking follow up questions. What happened in the book? What was their favorite part? What did they think of the characters? Whom did they like? Didn’t like? What do they think will happen next? Has anything like that ever happened to them?

13. Use positive reinforcement

Reinforcement is used to strengthen an existing behavior. Do you see your child picking up a book of their own accord? Give them some praise. Did they remind you it’s reading time? Say you would’ve forgotten and thank them for reminding you. Did they have a good insight into a recent story? Perhaps a treat is in order.

14. Give Nicola a try

Nicola is a parental control tool that requires your kids to do some reading before they can access their favorite apps. And the punchline is — the app tracks eye movement, so it actually knows whether your child is reading or not. Unlike other similar tools, Nicola gives your child a measure of control and establishes a connection between making an effort and receiving a reward.

15. Address reading issues

Keep in mind that struggling to read may be a sign of health and development issues, in which case you should seek the help of a specialist rather than push your child to try harder. Be on the lookout for problems with remembering words, retaining progress, hearing and seeing, and paying attention. In general, it’s a good idea to ask advice on any problem that persists — better safe than sorry.

Bottom line

Bad news is that your child’s reading habit requires years of daily effort on your part. Good news is that this effort is mostly limited to just fifteen minutes per day, which is perfectly manageable. Especially since habitual reading is one of the more important predictors of adult success and is well worth your time.