How to Encourage Your Kids to Read
Why Reading Books is Important for Children of all Ages
Reading may be the gateway to knowledge and imagination but many parents face challenges in encouraging their children to pick up a book. Any book. Research, though, shows that reading not only improves literacy skills in children and teens but can improvemood and emotional regulation. So, why don’t we all read more?
Similar to yoga breathing or an after-dinner stroll, reading a book proves an excellent source of stress relief for people of all ages. Behavioral health studies at Cambridge University’s School of Psychological Medicine in the UK indicate a link between mental health and calm, engaging brain activities like reading.
Ideally, kids will be introduced to books and reading comprehension when they’re young in order to sustain this healthy, long-term habit. While exposure to nightly reading rituals can help kids expand their vocabularies, experts may tell you that close communication between child and parent (or caregiver) during reading sessions can support their mental health, memory and cognition.
Why reading books is so good for your kids
Early exposure to words may be the most important thing parents can do to build language pathways in their child’s brain. Books allow children to hear new vocabulary and try new ways of putting words together, expanding their ability to make sense of language, tone and inflection.
Thinking skills. Reading is therapeutic for everyone’s mental health because it helps regulate behavior and thinking skills. For children who struggle with anxiety, anger or impulsivity, reading books – even for a few minutes every day – may offer a calming refuge and needed down time.
Empathy. Consistent reading time is an opportunity to foster emotional awareness and empathy in young ones. As kids read books about characters whose lives are different from their own, children and teens may gain greater appreciation for other people’s feelings, their cultures and beliefs.
Confidence. Hearing a soothing familiar voice and maintaining consistent reading routines can help children’s early brain development, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
Consistency. Establish a daily reading time, whether it’s before bed or during a quiet moment in the afternoon. Predictable routines help children feel secure and understood.
Bonding. Consistent, focused time together without distractions can enhance your child’s sense of well-being and decision-making. Try asking questions about the plot or characters of their favorite books. Share what you’re personally reading with your child or read a book together to show that reading is teachable and valuable.
Mindfulness. As kids get older, content starts to matter more, according to APA. Help them choose books with relatable themes that can uncover the joys of storytelling and lead to meaningful conversations and storytelling.
Focus. Especially for children with ADHD or behavioral issues, reading can improve attention span and comprehension. While long sessions may be overwhelming, even short bursts of reading can train the brain. Try creating a cozy, distraction-free space where your child can learn to love reading.
Helping a child who resists reading may require extra doses of creativity and patience. You don’t want to add stress to your lives by trying to jam a certain amount of reading into your busy schedule. Even 10-15 minutes a day (or before bed) really counts.
Reading services at LifeWorks Schools
As a parent, your role in fostering a love of reading is invaluable. Remember, it’s not about making your child an overnight reader but about planting seeds of curiosity and compassion. With support, even the most reluctant readers can discover the joy of reading.
LifeWorks Schools provides individual, group and consulting services for students who struggle with reading. Students have the opportunity for sustained silent reading time based on their academic programming. We always work with students to identify their high-interest reading materials with the goal of instilling a lifelong enjoyment of reading.
Contact us
LifeWorks’ admissions staff in Pennsylvania is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. to schedule a tour or intake. For questions on programming or admissions, call 215-489-3028 or complete the online contact form.