As a parent of three kids who all love to read (trust me, it didn’t happen by accident!), I’ve learned that fostering a love for reading isn’t about pushing books into reluctant hands – it’s about creating an environment where books become as natural as breathing. Let me share the strategies that worked wonders in our home, turning even my most resistant reader into someone who now bargains for “just one more chapter” at bedtime.
1. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
You know what they say about location in real estate? Well, it applies to reading too! When I transformed our unused living room corner into a cozy reading nook, complete with fluffy pillows and a string of twinkling lights, something magical happened. My kids started gravitating there naturally, even choosing it over the TV room some afternoons (yes, really!).
Here’s what worked for us:
- Scattered books throughout the house (even in the bathroom – don’t judge!)
- Created a “book basket” system where each child has their own special collection
- Set up simple reading corners in their bedrooms with comfy bean bags
- Kept a rotating selection of books on our coffee table
- Added a small bookshelf in the kitchen for cookbook browsing
Pro tip: Those IKEA spice racks? They make perfect front-facing book displays that kids can’t resist!
2. Lead by Example
I’ll never forget the day my middle child caught me crying over a book ending. Instead of being embarrassed, I shared why the story moved me so much. Now, we regularly swap book recommendations and compare notes on our favourite characters.
Simple ways I model reading:
- Keep my current read visible (not hidden away on a Kindle)
- Talk about books during dinner conversations
- Share funny or interesting passages out loud
- Take books everywhere (doctor’s waiting room? Perfect reading time!)
- Get excited about new book releases
Remember: Kids can spot fake enthusiasm a mile away. Read what genuinely interests you!
3. Make Reading a Part of Daily Routine
Full confession: Our bedtime reading routine started as a desperate attempt to calm three energetic kids. Now? It’s the most cherished part of our day. We started with just 10 minutes, but these days, I often hear “Mom, please, just one more page!”
Our tried-and-true routine:
- 20 minutes of family reading after dinner
- Bedtime stories (even for our older kids who can read independently)
- “Silent reading” Sundays where everyone reads together in the living room
- Audiobooks during car rides
- Weekend morning reading parties (complete with hot chocolate)
4. Encourage Choice and Variety
Let’s be honest – I wasn’t thrilled when my son went through a phase of only reading comic books. But guess what? Those comics led to graphic novels, which led to fantasy books, and now he’s devouring everything from historical fiction to science books.
How we keep it interesting:
- Weekly library visits where they can choose ANYTHING
- Exploring different formats (magazines, comics, audiobooks)
- Following their current obsessions (yes, even if it means reading about Minecraft)
- Trading books with friends
- Using their allowance for book purchases (they value what they choose themselves)
5. Make Reading Interactive and Fun
Reading doesn’t have to mean sitting quietly alone! Some of our best memories involve acting out stories, creating alternate endings, or debating which character made the worst decisions.
Fun activities we love:
- Family book clubs (complete with themed snacks)
- Acting out favourite scenes
- Creating art inspired by stories
- Writing letters to authors
- Making movie comparisons after reading the book version
The Reality Check
Look, I’m not going to pretend it’s always perfect. We have days when screens win, when everyone’s too tired, or when reading feels like a chore. But here’s what I’ve learned: consistency matters more than perfection. Keep books around, stay positive, and trust that the love of reading will grow naturally.
Remember, every child is different. What works for one might not work for another, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to create mini-bookworms overnight – it’s to help them discover the joy of reading at their own pace.