Getting kids to love reading is… honestly? It’s one of those things that keeps me up at night. And I mean that literally – I was just thinking about this at 3am last night while my daughter was asking for “just one more story pleeease.”
Here’s the thing. We live in a world of screens and instant everything, right? So how do we compete with YouTube and video games? Well, after years of watching parents struggle with this (and being one myself), I’ve figured out some stuff that actually works.
## **Start Before They Can Even Read**
This is huge. HUGE. Reading to your baby might feel weird when they’re just drooling and grabbing at pages, but trust me on this. Those little brains are soaking everything up like tiny sponges. Board books are your best friend here – they can chew on them, throw them, whatever. The point is they’re holding books.
I remember reading to my son when he was like 6 months old and thinking “this kid has no idea what I’m saying.” But you know what? He was learning that books = cozy time with mom or dad. That association sticks.
## **Make It Part of the Routine (But Keep It Fun)**
Bedtime stories are classic for a reason. Kids thrive on routine, and when reading becomes as normal as brushing teeth, it just… happens. But here’s where people mess up – they make it feel like homework.
Don’t. Just don’t.
If your kid wants to read the same book about a purple dinosaur 47 nights in a row? Do it. Embrace it. One day they’ll move on and you’ll actually miss that purple dinosaur (okay maybe not but you get it).
## **Let Them Pick the Books**
This is so important I’m gonna say it louder for the people in the back: **LET THEM PICK THE BOOKS.**
Yes, even if it’s another book about trucks. Or princesses. Or ninja trucks who are also princesses. When kids have control over what they read, they’re way more invested. Take them to bookstores, let them browse, let them touch the books and flip through pages.
And hey – places like Playful Platypus make this even easier with their online selection. Sometimes browsing from home is just more realistic than dragging three kids to a bookstore on a Saturday.
## **Be a Reading Role Model**
Kids are little copycats. If they see you scrolling through your phone all evening, guess what they’ll want to do? But if they see you curled up with a book? Different story.
I’m not saying you need to read War and Peace in front of them. Even reading magazines or newspapers counts. Just let them see that adults read for fun too.
## **Create a Special Reading Space**
This doesn’t have to be fancy. Could be a corner with some pillows. A beanbag chair. Even just a special blanket that’s the “reading blanket.” Kids love having their own special spots.
One family I know hung up some of Trevor Campbell’s art pieces near their reading nook – turned it into this magical little world. Their kids practically beg to spend time there.
## **Don’t Force It**
Okay this is hard to hear but… if your kid is going through a phase where they hate reading? Back off a little. Forcing it creates negative associations that can last years.
Instead, try:
– Audio books (still counts as “reading”!)
– Graphic novels or comic books
– Magazines about their interests
– Even reading game instructions or recipe cards together
## **Make Books Special**
When you give books as gifts, make a big deal about it. Let kids know that books are treasures. Have them create their own little library on a shelf. Write their name in their books. These little things matter more than you’d think.
## **Read Together Even When They Can Read Alone**
This is my favorite tip because so many parents stop reading with kids once they learn to read independently. Don’t! Reading together is bonding time. Take turns reading pages. Do silly voices. Ask questions about the story.
My 10-year-old still asks me to read with her sometimes. Do I have a million other things to do? Always. Do I say yes anyway? Also always.
## **The Bottom Line**
Look, there’s no magic formula here. Some kids will naturally gravitate toward books, others need more encouragement. The key is making reading feel like a joy, not a chore.
And remember – every kid is different. What works for your neighbor’s kid might not work for yours. That’s okay. Keep trying different approaches. Keep offering books. Keep reading together.
Because here’s what I know for sure: kids who grow up surrounded by books and parents who value reading? They might go through phases where they’d rather do literally anything else, but that foundation you’re building? It stays with them.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a purple dinosaur book. Night 48, here we come.
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*Looking for books that’ll capture your child’s imagination? Check out Gary Campbell’s delightful stories at Playful Platypus – they’re the kind of books kids actually ask to read again and again.*
