I am always amazed when adults say they hate reading. It astounds me that a skill so central to life can inspire such a negative reaction. Why do so many people dislike reading for pleasure? I believe the answer is that the skill—and love—of reading was never instilled and nurtured when they were young, especially during those first difficult steps of learning to read from the pages of a book.
So, how do you raise a child to become a reader? Here are some good places to start.
1. Introduce reading early.
Reading should be introduced early in life, and the first step is to make sure there is an appropriate book(s) available. Books can be purchased from the bookstore or borrowed from the library. You can even start a neighborhood book exchange so parents and children begin to socialize around books.
Here is a general guide to finding age-appropriate reading material:
· Board Books (ages 0–3): 0–100 words
· Picture Books (ages 3–8): 250–1,000 words
· Early Readers (ages 5–9): 1,500–2,000 words
· Chapter Books (ages 6–9 or 7–10): 8,500–12,000 words
· Middle Grade (ages 8–12): 25,000–50,000 words
· Young Adult (ages 14 and up): 50,000–75,000 words
When beginning, meet the reader at their reading level rather than their age level. For example, if your child is eight years old but struggles with reading, start with a picture book written for older children rather than an early reader designed for beginning readers.
Booksellers, librarians, and teachers are excellent resources for finding books that match your child’s reading ability. Never force a child into a book that exceeds their abilities. Doing so only creates frustration and builds a negative association with reading.
2. Let children choose books that interest them.
Reading is a highly personal activity. What one person enjoys may not appeal to someone else. Connect reading with your child’s interests. If they love sports, let them choose books about sports or athletes. Whatever your child’s hobbies or interests, there is almost certainly a book about them.
Teach children early that if they are not enjoying a book, it is perfectly acceptable to set it aside. Life is too short for bad books, and there is always another wonderful one waiting to be discovered.
3. Schedule reading time every day.
Set aside time for reading each day and make it part of your family’s routine. You don’t need an hour—just make the time meaningful. Start with 15–20 minutes of uninterrupted reading, adjusting the length based on your child’s age and attention span. As they begin to enjoy reading, gradually increase the time.
Choose whatever time works best for your household, whether after playtime, before bed, or another quiet part of the day.
4. Create a special reading space.
Designate a reading area that is free from distractions, well lit, and comfortable. Make it a place your child looks forward to visiting each day. If possible, let them help create it.
For example, we created “Reading Island” in our home. It consisted of a large blanket with oversized pillows spread across a sunny spot on the floor. When the blanket came out, everything else stopped. Each child brought one book of their choice to read for 10–15 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of reading aloud from a book we had chosen as a family.
5. Read together as a family.
Reading together strengthens family relationships while creating a shared identity as readers. Feeling connected and knowing you belong is invaluable for young people.
6. Embrace different ways to read.
Remember that there is more than one way to enjoy books. Reading can include printed books, audiobooks, e-books, and software that reads scanned text aloud.
Whatever method your child prefers—or whatever accommodations they need—encourage it. Audiobooks, headphones, and reading apps can make reading more enjoyable and accessible, especially for children who struggle with traditional print.
The number of reading apps and programs can seem overwhelming. Begin with a simple internet search, then ask teachers and librarians for recommendations that fit your child’s needs.
7. Encourage children to ask for help.
Praise children when they recognize they need help and seek it appropriately. Answer their questions honestly, and never dismiss their concerns. If you don’t know the answer, admit it—and then demonstrate how to find it together.
Not knowing something is normal. Refusing to seek help shouldn’t be.
The internet offers many resources for reading support. Your child’s teacher, school, reading specialist, and local library can also provide valuable assistance and recommendations.
8. Make reading fun.
Connect books with enjoyable activities and experiences. Visit the library and learn everything it has to offer. Browse bookstores and ask for their events calendar. Many bookstores host free story times, author visits, and book release celebrations.
Book festivals are wonderful family outings centered around the love of reading. Some last a single day, while others span an entire weekend.
You can even plan road trips inspired by books—especially if your family enjoys history or adventure stories.
Simple rewards also help. Keep a reading tracker and celebrate milestones with a favorite treat, such as ice cream after finishing a certain number of books.
9. Be a reader yourself.
Children naturally admire the adults in their lives and imitate what they see. If you want to raise a reader, let them see you reading. Show them what a lifelong reader looks like.
Conclusion
Raising a reader gives a child a lifetime of knowledge, curiosity, and enjoyment. Reading is a skill that supports educational success and a hobby that broadens their world. Best of all, once you know how to read, there is almost nothing you cannot teach yourself, because somewhere, there is a book that can help you learn.