How Do I Get My Child to Read?

Well first off, please to don't institute the ½ hour of mandatory reading that so many schools and parents are so keen on these days. You want to encourage a life-long love of reading and frankly you would be much more likely to succeed by banning reading in your house then by turning reading into yet another chore that needs to be done.

Secondly, you want to make sure that your child doesn't have some learning disability that makes reading hard and uncomfortable. Even a child who makes good grades can have some undetected condition that makes reading difficult. Check with your child's teacher and/or have him tested if necessary. If there is a learning disability present, experts can help your child with strategies that will make reading easier and more enjoyable.

The best time to instill a love of reading in your child is before they can read. Read to them at bed time. Please don't play a bedtime video. If you are too busy to read to your child then you can play a book on tape. Just make sure that reading is part of a bedtime ritual that is comfortable and pleasant.

The number one way to instill a love of reading in your child is to be an avid reader yourself. When your little girl comes to you wanting to play Barbies, you can say "One moment sweetie, I want to finish this chapter". You will be showing her by example that reading is even more fun than Barbies! If you hate to read then have yourself tested for a disability. Again you will be demonstrating how important reading is. Also think about instituting a "quiet" time during the day when you read and must not be disturbed. It would be a perfect time for them to read as well. Talk about books while eating dinner.

You also need to make sure that there are plenty of books in the house. The library is great but you must also own books. They need to be available. Having no money is no excuse. There are plenty of used bookstores and flea markets with cheap books for sale. Libraries often sell books and sometimes even give them away. When I started an on-line used book store, I was immediately inundated with truckloads of books from friends who needed to clear out. Just let people know you want books and they will start to appear. Believe me! Make sure there is a wide variety of subjects and titles. You never know what will spark your child's interest.

Respect your books and encourage you children to respect them too. Get them a special book mark. Teach them to take care of their books.

Let's say you didn't read to your child as a baby and now he only reads when the school makes them and they hate it! Cancel the cable and get the electronic games out of the house. You may think it is a drastic move but it is necessary. (Don't link this change to reading in any way.) You can always bring the TV and electronics back once the habit of reading has been established. You must be willing to make sacrifices necessary to help your child be a success in life. Studies show that the kids who read are the ones who end up finding success. I cannot imagine my life without my books. It would be so drab.

Some children are so active that they have trouble sitting still long enough to read a book. If you have one of these children, ask yourself the following questions: Are you letting your child have a lot of sugar and caffeine? Do they get enough sleep? Be honest! These issues are all linked together and could be contributing to the problem. Again add reading to the bedtime ritual. If you don't have one, make one. Active children particularly need as transition to help them sleep. Start by reading to your child and then let you child read to them-selves. You can even read to an older child or take turns reading to each other.

Finally let your child pick the books. You can find books on subjects that interest them and give them as gifts. Or you can take the recommendations of the child editors of www.kidsrecommendbooks.com.

The bottom line is that you must create an atmosphere that encourages reading without pushing it on your child.

** Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

If you do use the material please send us a note so we can take a look. Thanks.

Jeanne Russell is a single mother, writer, and entrepreneur. She is founder of http://www.jeannerussell.com (a website devoted to self-improvement and success) and also http://www.stressandthesinglemom.com

---

Why Fathers Are Such a Necessary Component in the Raising of Their Children.

The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More

Send Your Child to College FREE!

College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More

Tips For a First-Time Dad

So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More

Disciplining the Wild Child

Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More

Life Lessons Learned in My Underwear

For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More

Pick Your Fights With Your Teenager Wisely

I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More

Are You Addicted to Your Children?

Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More

ADHD: Dialogue with a Non-Believer, Part Four

Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More

Muscle Pain And Children Do Not Mix

I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More

Violence in Media

In the news, we hear and see an increasing number... Read More

Back to School Responsibilities Again

It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More

Difference

There are times when my ideas of raising a child... Read More

To Test or Not To Test - That Is the Question

Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More

Naming Your Baby Is Part of The Challenge of Being a Parent

Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More

Educational Jigsaw Puzzles, How Educational Are They?

Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More

ParentingYour Teenager: Dont Buy the I Dont Know and I Dont Care Attitude

"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More

25 Things That Matter When Relating To Our Children (Leaving A Legacy Of Love To Those We Love)

In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More

Bring On The Music To Help Your Child Learn Faster And More Effectively

Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More

Paediatric Osteopathy

All babies cry, but if yours cries a lot, isn't... Read More

How To Homeschool Without Making Your Child An Outcast

If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child,... Read More

How to Create an Attitude of Cooperation

Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More

Ten Ways To Become Your Teenagers Best Friend

Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More

Why Creativity and Self-Expression are Important to Little Kids

Can you draw a straight line? Most adults don't consider... Read More

Diaper Bags for Dads - Papas Got a Brand New Bag

Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More

Coping With Colic

Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More

Getting Through to Your Teenager

Have you ever watched your teenager make a mistake (that... Read More

Nurtured by Love or Matured by Nature?

"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More

We All Wish That Our Children Have Good Virtues, But... Are We Setting A Good Example Ourselves?

We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More

Using Cloth Nappies

We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More

My Best Buddy

My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More

EEG Biofeedback as a Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More

The Secret, Unconscious Game Children and Parents Play Where No One Wins!

Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More

Picky Eater Syndrome

'Picky Eater' is a label coined to describe the phenomenon... Read More