Hi, thanks for joining me for this week's Mindset session. Today, we will discuss the importance of reading for pleasure and how to incorporate more of it into your child's daily routine. Below you'll find practical tips on how to develop a love for reading in your child, without pressure, guilt, or stress.
Why daily reading time helps preschoolers love books
You've probably already carved out some time for regular reading with your child: bedtime, naptime, or quiet time. This time is foundational for helping your child develop a love and appreciation for reading.
They're absorbing vocabulary, sentence structure, and language patterns while also learning that reading can be cozy, enjoyable, and a special time to bond with you.
But even more than that, you're helping them associate books with safety, joy, and comfort. Making reading a regular part of your child's day, wherever it fits, goes a long way toward raising a reader.
How to be a reading role model for your child
One of the most powerful but often overlooked ways to encourage reading is modeling it yourself. Let your child see that reading isn't just something adults do with kids; it’s something we do for ourselves, too.
If you're an avid reader, this might come naturally. Your child may often see you with a book or a Kindle. But if reading isn't your go-to activity, that’s okay too.
You can still model reading in lots of small, intentional ways:
- Reading a magazine or comic book
- Flipping through a recipe book to plan meals
- Following the instructions to assemble furniture
- Reading an article or news update on your phone
Let your child see you doing these things, or narrate it casually: "I’m looking up how to fix this," or "I’m reading about what’s happening in town this weekend."
It conveys a powerful message that reading is not only useful but also enjoyable and an integral part of everyday life.
Show kids that reading happens everywhere
Your child doesn’t need to see you devour novels. They need to know that reading can happen in all kinds of formats:
- Magazines
- Comics and graphic novels
- Phone articles and newsletters
- Cookbooks and how-to guides
- Local event flyers
Even if you're scrolling on your phone, you can say, "I'm reading an article about dinosaurs," or whatever topic you're exploring. This helps them realize that reading isn’t confined to "story time" only.
Create family reading habits that stick
Reading routines can also become family traditions. Whether you have one child or several, establishing simple reading habits creates bonding time and reinforces that books are a valuable part of family life.
- Bedtime reading: Classic, calming, and cozy.
- Reading after lunch or during quiet time: Great for resetting the day.
- Weekend book rituals: Visit the library or bring home a new stack.
Start a family book club
A fun twist? Start a little family book club! Take turns choosing the book, read it together, and chat about it. For younger kids, choose short stories or picture books and talk about the characters or what made you laugh.
With older siblings involved, little ones can be exposed to more advanced stories and vocabulary, even if they’re just listening. It builds comprehension and connection across age levels.
Make reading a treat: Try a cozy reading day
Have an unexpected day off or a rainy weekend? Make it a spontaneous reading day. Stay in pajamas, build a pillow fort, grab snacks, and read a big stack of books together.
Combining reading with cozy, fun elements creates warm associations. Your child will start linking books with special memories, not just "school time."
Use holidays to make reading a fun family tradition
Around cultural or religious holidays, head to the library to find books about the tradition. Read them together as part of your celebration.
Whether it's Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or a national celebration, there are beautifully written children’s books that deepen your child’s understanding and build a reading tradition around something meaningful.
It also shows your child that books help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how others live.
Use Audiobooks to Get Your Child Excited About Stories
Audiobooks are a fantastic (and often overlooked) tool for developing a love of reading. They count, especially for young children who aren’t reading independently yet.
- Turn on audiobooks while driving
- Use them at bedtime (great if you're tired or want the lights off)
- Play them during playtime, puzzle time, or quiet coloring
Audiobooks also give kids access to longer stories, like chapter books, that they might not otherwise get.
My kids loved the Magic Tree House series long before they could read it themselves, simply by listening to it before bed. Audiobooks help them engage with complex storytelling while expanding their vocabulary and attention span.
So, those are some great ways to make reading part of your family's rhythm, not just during "school" time but throughout daily life.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional steps go a long way.
Start with one new habit this week. Build from there. And enjoy watching your child grow into a confident, joyful reader. See you next time!