How to Inspire a Love of Reading in Your Child

1. Read with your child daily.

Reading daily with your child helps immensely with language development and early literacy. Just as importantly, it sets an example that reading is a fun and meaningful part of life, and it gives you and your child time to bond each day. Make that time sacred and untouchable in your schedule, and both you and your child will reap the benefits.

2. Surround your child with books.

So many books! Take your child to the library regularly. Expose him or her to many different books — classics from your childhood, recommendations from family and friends, new books that catch your eye. Explore! Check out our read aloud recommendations for a place to start.

Then put a bookshelf in your child’s room — a small one that your child can easily (and safely) access. Send the message: books are important!

3. Get your child a reading lamp.

Encourage your child to spend time reading daily by providing a reading lamp and allowing reading time in the evenings before bed. Giving your child a private, quiet space for reading will embolden him or her to take the step from reading as a social activity to reading independently.

I recommend this little gem from IKEA, as it is inexpensive, great quality, and an LED, so it will not get hot and pose a safety risk. Since putting these on our boys’ beds, we’ve had independent reading time every single night, as well as the added bonus of much more cooperative kiddos at bedtime!