Raising kids who love reading

Growing up reading was always magical to me, diving into a new world and going on adventures. Life has become more fast pace, with lots of screens and distractions so I really want to make sure that my kids share my love for books. Reading is amazing for growing brains, and you can start literally from the day they’re born. But I’ll be real, getting a child to actually love books isn’t always easy. Still, it’s so worth it. Reading helps with focus, mental health, learning new words, and understanding how the world works. Once they’re past the toddler stage, though, keeping that spark alive can get tricky. So here are 9 things I’ve found that really help build their confidence and keep them excited about reading.

1. Read a little every day. Start as early as you can. Even newborns love hearing your voice. Try to make reading just a normal part of the day like brushing teeth or eating lunch. It doesn’t have to be long; a few minutes here and there adds up.

2. Let them see you reading. If you want your kid to think reading is fun, they need to see you doing it. Grab a novel, flip through a magazine, or even read a recipe while you cook. Also, leave books lying around in different rooms. It sounds simple, but it really works.

3. Turn storytelling into play. Kids learn through play, so use that! Let them act out stories, use animal figures or dolls to retell a book, make up silly songs, draw scenes from a story, or just chat about their day. Play is where reading confidence grows.

4. Make it fun and follow what they love. If your kid is into dinosaurs, trucks, or unicorns, grab books about those things. For babies, touchy-feely books and lift-the-flap ones are gold. You can also set up little themed activities, like a sensory bin based on their favorite book. A cozy reading nook with pillows and fairy lights helps too. Or let them read to their stuffed animals while you sip tea. Let them turn the pages, pick the book, and don’t be afraid to be silly with your voice.

5. Find words everywhere, not just in books. If your child isn’t into storybooks yet, no big deal. Turn on subtitles when they watch TV. Play a board game that needs reading. Bake a cake together and read the recipe. When you’re out walking, point out signs or labels in stores. It all counts.

6. Set little reading invitations around the house. When kids start recognizing letters and words, they’re often really proud of it. So lean in, but let them lead. Leave a small basket of books on the kitchen table, in the living room, or by their bed. Go to the library. Grab a kids’ magazine. Make it easy and tempting.

7. Be patient. Like, really patient. Kids can tell when we’re frustrated. The second they sense that, their confidence takes a hit. So breathe, stay calm, and keep cheering them on. Even the small wins matter.

8. Try something totally different. If the books from school aren’t doing it for them, don’t stress. Maybe they just need a change of pace. Try rhymes, poems, joke books, or even a funny graphic novel. There’s no wrong way to read.

9. Trust the process and ask for help if you need it. With time and the right support, most kids get there. Reading confidence comes from being allowed to make mistakes without feeling judged. Every kid learns at their own speed. But if you really feel like something’s off, like reading is way harder for them than it should be don’t wait. Dyslexia is super common and often makes reading exhausting for everyone involved. Getting support early makes all the difference.

At the end of the day, we’re just trying our best. And so are they. Keep showing up, keep it low-pressure, and you might just raise a kid who reaches for a book on their own.