How to get your children to read

One of the most important skills in life that you can learn is to read. Reading forms the basis for almost everything we do, from driving, to using the internet, reading is an essential life skill. So how do we get our child to read…….and enjoy it?

Inspiration is the key to success

Many of us find it hard to get our children to read, but that is primarily because of what we are trying to get them to read. Every child is different, they all have their own little personalities, growing and bustling to enter the world. Try and find something that suits your child, something that they are interested in, and more importantly something that inspires them. It can be as simple as getting a basic book about baseball, or a book about a princess, a comic about robots or a fairy tale like Cinderella. Find the right book that suits your child’s personality and you will find they take to it like a fish to water.

Practice makes perfect

Like anything worth doing in life, reading takes practice. The more your child practices, the better they get. Try to make sure you don’t bite off more than they can chew, choose simple books with simple words and phrasing so your child finds it easier to adapt. Sound out the words with your child and make them feel proud when they get the words right. It won’t happen overnight and at the start, it will be very difficult for your child. Children don’t like doing things they aren’t good at and it is very important that you help them through the difficult parts and make them feel a sense of achievement at each and every successful step. You will find that the more they read, the better they get.

Routine, Routine, Routine

Establishing a steady routine will allow your child to adjust to reading on a regular basis much easier than if it is done haphazardly. Try to read with your child every night before bed, make it simple, make it easy, and make it routine. A simple routine of having a shower, brushing their teeth and reading a book before bed will establish a routine for your child. This in turn should take the pain out of motivating our child to read and allow them to develop their reading skills in a rapid fashion.

Be a role model

Asking your child to do something that you are not willing to do yourself sets a poor example and can lead to negative results. Make sure your child sees you and other family members reading on a regular basis. This can be as simple as reading the paper every morning, or reading a book as they are arriving home from school, any reading is good reading. Every child needs a great role model and the first people your child will look to are his or her parents, so step up to the task and set the example.

Your child’s development is integral to their future and reading is a huge part of their development. Make reading interesting, fun, routine, set a good example and watch your child flourish……

Mike Neil is a father of 2 and has a strong interest in his children’s development. Over the last 4 years, Mike has been regularly blogging about learning toys and child education. Mike has published numerous articles in prominent parenting blogs.