Encouraging a Love for Reading in Your Children

Hey everyone, I just wanted to hop on here and share a rather short blog post about how I helped grow my 9 year olds love of reading! Keep reading down below.

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Growing a love for reading in kids isn't just about handing them a book and hoping for the best. It takes small, intentional steps that can make reading an enjoyable and integral part of their lives.

One of the best ways to start is by making books a natural part of your home. Create a cozy spot where your child can relax with a book—whether it’s a corner with a comfy chair or just a soft blanket and some pillows. Keep books in places where they’re easily accessible, like in the living room or their bedroom, so they can grab one whenever the mood strikes.

Bedtime stories are a classic, and for good reason. Ending the day with a story not only helps your child wind down, but it also creates a comforting routine that they’ll look forward to. It’s a simple way to show that reading is something to be enjoyed, not just a task.

Letting kids choose their own books is also crucial. When they have the freedom to pick what they read, they’re more likely to find something that excites them. This might mean frequent trips to the library or bookstore, where they can explore different genres and find what really captures their interest. Even if it’s the same book over and over, that repetition can be a key part of developing their reading skills. My son enjoys reading graphic novels and loves rereading the same ones over and over. I’m not worried about it because I know he’ll still choose other books when we go to the library or bookstore.

Introducing series books can also spark a deeper interest. Once kids connect with a character or story, they’ll be eager to follow along and see what happens next. For younger kids, series like The Magic Tree House can be a hit, while older kids might gravitate towards Percy Jackson or A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Don’t forget that technology can be an ally in this effort. E-readers and audiobooks offer flexible ways for kids to engage with stories, especially if they’re more drawn to screens. In my case, I got my son a kids kindle and loaded it with an Amazon Kids + Subscription. Once you set the age limit, there are tons of awesome age appropriate books that kids can look up and read on their own. There are also plenty of apps that make reading interactive and fun, which can be especially useful for reluctant readers.

Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity, either. Turning it into something social can make it more appealing. Start a family book club, where everyone reads the same book and shares their thoughts, or organize a book swap with friends. Even something as simple as talking about a book they’re reading can make it feel more engaging.

The goal is to create an environment where reading feels natural, enjoyable, and worth their time. By making small adjustments to your daily routine and providing them with the freedom to explore, you can help your child develop a love for reading that will last a lifetime.