Set An Example to Encourage a Love of Reading
I have adults tell me “I am not a reader,” and 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 with 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 adults if they can find the right book, magazine, or newspaper and an inviting environment.
A major factor in kids who love reading is seeing the adults in their lives 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 of books a month—both middle grade and young adult fiction for research and pleasure, as well as others. I am part of a wonderful women’s book club that has been going strong for 14 years, so I regularly read its 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 Brené 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 Brené 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 (both of which I highly recommend). Brené 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!