Be an Example

Trying to get your child to read can be difficult.  Giving them interesting topics can help, but one of the biggest steps you can take to get your child motivated to read is to be an example yourself.

How often do you read?  Jobs do interfere as well as other things in an adult’s life.  If your child does not see you ever reading, what is motivating them?  Absolutely nothing.

When a child sees their parent reading and enjoying it, they want to know what is so exciting between those pages.  They begin to search out books and begin to devour them the way their parent does.  Parents have amazing influences over their child and their habits.

What can you do to improve your own reading to be such a good example?  Here are a few ideas to help you get reading back into your busy schedule.

Order Magazines/Newspapers – How often do you have magazines arriving in the mail?  Do you buy them often?  Get some various magazines coming in and keep them around the house.  As you drink your morning coffee, read a magazine or scan a newspaper.  Place magazines in the living room, the bathroom, next to your bed, in the car, or keep one in your purse or briefcase. 

Book Locations – You are running here and running there.  When you do have time to read, there is not a book to be found.  Be deliberate.  Keep books placed in strategic locations so that you can pick up one and read at any time.  Keep one in your purse so when you are stuck at the doctor’s office you can spend a few minutes (or hours) reading as you wait.  Keep one in your car, at your desk, or by your favorite chair. 

Relax with a Book – Got a few minutes to sit and breathe?  Relax by sitting in the swing and reading a book.  Try a quiet moment next to the crackling fire.  You can even read a book while listening to your favorite music.  Be deliberate in reading while you are relaxing.

Shop at a Bookstore – As you are going about your errands and even shopping, include a bookstore.  Take the time to browse the aisles and pick up a new book or two.

Spend a Saturday at the Library – Don’t always spend Saturday watching television.  Go to the library and relax reading a new mystery novel.

When your child sees you enjoying a book and always with something to read, they will also want to read.  Children learn by example.  Get back into reading and show them that it is a wonderful world of adventure and relaxation.