Books and children almost go hand in hand–so long as you’re encouraging it. There’s a lot in the world to distract any kid from the printed word! Just take a look at any cardboard box you can find. That’s like a palace to a 5-year-old. So here are some tips to make the fun-loving paperback a pastime for your children and forego the TV remote.
Tip one, surround your children with books about a topic they love. If its dinosaurs, get a lot of books about dinosaurs. If its princesses, then books about princesses–and so on and so forth. Books can be eternally interesting to kids if it’s about things they enjoy!
Tip two, as much as you love your TV programs, put the clicker down and do something phenomenal not only for your children but for yourself: read some books! Statistically, it’s proven that children love mimicking adults–parents in particular. So if you want your kids to read more, you might actually have to read more.
Tip three, as important books are, believe it or not, lay off of them to make room for other things that can help your kids with reading. In other words, lighten up on the ‘reading’. Any opportunity you can get for your children to be immersed in words, take it: game directions, cereal boxes, online games, even comics! Regardless of the medium used, there’s no way around it; it’s still reading. So take advantage of it.
Tip four, yes, everyone loves the XBOX 360 Christmas gift and bike for the birthday, but always remember to buy books, books, books for your little ones for any occasion. Kids love gifts, obviously (especially when they’re wrapped up!). So why not make these gifts something that can nourish their minds with reading?
These are only a few tips. You can also think of your own ideas! Whatever it takes to get your kids to read….
