Set An Example to Encourage a Love of Reading
I have adults tell me “I am not a reader” and I so I ask: “Did you like reading as a child?” ‘Did you enjoy reading once?” Often the answer is “No, I never liked reading.” Reading experts say that children develop a love of reading based on how they are presented reading. If it is an enticing and powerful situation, children will respond to that. So, while these grown ups spent many years not liking reading, I believe they can still learn to love reading as an adult if they can find the right book, magazine or newspaper and find an inviting environment.
A major factor in kids who love reading is seeing the adults in their life read. I am always reading a few books and have many on my “to be read” list. Reading for me is a welcome escape to another story in another place. I read a couple books a month - both middle grade and young adult fiction for research and pleasure, as well as others. I am part of a wonderful woman’s book club that is going on 14 years strong so I regularly read this book choice and I read books on my own personal book list.
In one of my favorite non-fiction self-improvement books Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, one of the chapters is called “Wholehearted Parenting.” She talks about how being an engaged parent is being” the adult you want your child to grow up to be.” I often find that advice helpful in many parenting moments, and before I react I try to ask myself, “How do I want my child to see me in this moment? How do I want to be in this moment?” In relation to reading, I take time every day to read for myself but also for my children to see that reading is important.
I have long loved Brene Brown, have read two of her six books and have the other four on my “to be read” list. I also listen regularly to her “Unlocking Us” podcast and have watched her TED talks on YouTube many times (of which I highly recommend both.) Brene talks about how you do not need to be “perfect, just engaged and committed to aligning values with actions.” So, if encouraging your child to read is one of your values, taking a few minutes for you to read every day will be as good for you as it is for your child. Happy Reading!