Read! As knowledge is Power!

The best advice I have ever received and an intro to book I need to read more of is “Read, Read, Read”. Giving your child the gift and passion to read is a blessing that amounts to a sustainable seed of limitless growth, knowledge and opportunity. Encouraging and listening to your child read regular is the way to ensure your child adopts reading as a habit. In many societal settings we may not always have the desire to do this, but we really have no excuse! As I am writing this, I solemnly make the pledge to my family and you my fellow Growthparent that I will have weekly family reading time in which we stop and read for 20/30 minutes minimum as a family starting at last twice a week.

I will also find time within in my week to listen to each of my 3 children read at least once a week. On reflection my reading schedule with my 3 children varies throughout the week(9/11/15). My youngest gets a book every night and when each of my children were 2-9 years old, that was generally the practice. Most recently I opt for my middle daughter of 11 to read/listen to my youngest daughter of 8 on the occasional bedtime. My middle daughter of 11 is often permanently attached to a book and before the dreaded IPad it was her companion of choice on an outing. My oldest son who is 15 began reading less around 12/13 as his schoolwork increased. Whereas my middle daughter has continually enjoyed a book and consistently reads to herself each night and throughout odd moments in the day. Thinking out loud is there a gender element to boys reading less as they become fully fledged teenagers as I have found that pattern with my son?

The question I guess overall is what practices we can engage in to ensure and encourage regular reading/listening. I have some suggestions below but also please share your techniques and approaches, every little helps. The joy of reading is something we, as parents, must not only encourage but actively participate in. As I reflect on my current approach, I realize that balance and intentionality are key. Here’s how we can make reading an enriching and consistent part of family life:

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Tips for a Realistic Weekly Family Reading Schedule

1. Set Family Reading Nights:
   • Twice a Week: Choose two evenings (e.g., Wednesday and Sunday) where the family gathers to read together for 20–30 minutes. Everyone can pick their own book or take turns reading aloud from a shared book.
   • Example: Read a chapter of Harry Potter as a group or explore short stories from The Jungle Book.
2. Daily Bedtime Rituals for Young Children:
   • For younger children, dedicate 10–15 minutes nightly to reading together. This can be a mix of you reading to them and them practicing aloud.
3. Involve Siblings:
   • Encourage older siblings to read to younger ones. Not only does it build their confidence, but it also creates lasting bonds.
   • Example: Ask your 11-year-old to read a picture book to the 8-year-old while you oversee and listen.
4. Weekend Library or Bookstore Trips:
   • Make this a weekly or bi-weekly tradition. Let your children choose books that spark their interests. Bonus: Take home a book for yourself to show that reading isn’t just for kids.

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Ways to Encourage Reading at Home

1. Create a Reading Nook:
   • Designate a cozy corner with pillows, blankets, and good lighting. Having a special space makes reading feel like an event.
2. Limit Screen Time Strategically:
   • Swap 30 minutes of device use for reading. Frame it as an adventure: “Let’s escape to another world for a while!”
3. Lead by Example:
   • Let your children see you read. Whether it’s a novel, a cookbook, a biography or even a newspaper, modeling the behavior sets a strong example.
4. Incorporate Audiobooks:
   • For busier days, audiobooks are a great way to engage with stories during car rides or downtime.
5. Celebrate Reading Achievements:
   • Use a fun tracker or chart. Every book completed earns a small reward, like a bookmark or choosing the next family read-aloud book.
6. Have Book Discussions:
   • After finishing a book, talk about it! Ask questions like, “What did you like about the story?” or “How would you change the ending?”

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Suggested Reading Titles for All Ages

1. For Young Readers (Ages 6–9):
   • The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
   • Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
   • Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
   • Any Roald Dahl book
2. For Middle Grade Readers (Ages 10–12):
   • Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
   • Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
   • Wonder by R.J. Palacio
   • The Boy At the Back of the Class, Onjali Q. Rauf
   • Hacker, Malorie
3. For Teenagers (Ages 13–16):
   • The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
   • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
   • Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
4. For Family Read-Alouds (All Ages):
   • Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
   • The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
   • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

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Final Thoughts

The truth is, life is busy, and distractions are plenty, but prioritizing reading is a gift that will keep giving. Whether it’s a quiet corner at bedtime, a lively discussion over a shared book, or even the simple act of modeling reading as a parent, we are planting seeds of curiosity and growth.

I pledge to be more intentional about this in my own home—holding to my twice-a-week family reading plan and dedicating time to listen to each child individually. What about you? Let’s share our tips and make reading a cornerstone of our parenting journeys. By the way Kindles are a blessing also, but some would say nothing beats the feel of a book!