Reading is one of the best things kids can get hooked on, and it’s more than just a way to pass the time. It helps with language skills, sparks creativity and even builds empathy by letting kids step into someone else’s shoes. From toddlers listening to bedtime stories to teens getting lost in a great novel, a love of reading boosts kids at every stage of growing up.
The best part? It’s never too early — or too late — to help kids develop a reading habit. Whether they’re just learning their ABCs or claim they don’t like books, there are plenty of fun and simple ways to make reading an everyday habit. With the right approach, you can turn even the most reluctant reader into someone who can’t wait to start their next book.
Start early with babies and toddlers
It’s never too early to prioritize reading and add it to your children’s daily routine. Read bedtime stories every night and it will help them wind down before bed. It will also build a foundation for lifelong reading habits. Read throughout the day such as after meals or before naps.
Interactive books make reading engaging and fun for young children. Lift-the-flap books, tactile books and books with sound effects keep babies and toddlers interested. Bright colors also grab their interest.
Place books on a shelf at their level so they can get books whenever they want to. If your child hands you a book or asks you to read to them, make sure you read unless you truly can’t at that time. Let your child know that you will read to them as soon as you can.
“Reading with my 9-month-old has quickly become one of our favorite parts of the day. I started by making it a simple, consistent routine — just a few minutes before naps or bedtime — and now he gets excited when we pull out a book! Using fun voices, pointing to pictures and letting him engage in his own way has made story time something we both look forward to.”
— Bella Bucchiotti, xoxoBella
Encourage independent readers in elementary school
As kids learn to read, it’s important to let them select their own books to spark their interest. Letting children pick what they read gives them a sense of ownership over their reading experience. Picture books and chapter books are great, but kids also like to read graphic novels, magazines, nonfiction books and comic books. When kids read books they’re interested in, they read longer and more often. They will also have a positive attitude towards reading and learning in general.
Create a cozy reading spot at home to make reading even more fun. A comfy chair, some pillows and good lighting can make a big difference. Set aside a little time each day for reading, like before bed or after school, to help make it a habit. Talking to kids about what they’re reading and showing interest in their books helps them see reading as something exciting, not just something they should do.
Nurture the habit in preteens and teens
Preteens and teens might already have good reading habits but transitioning from children’s literature to young adult books can be difficult. Continue to nurture their habit by allowing them to read things that interest them, even if it’s manga or romance — as long as it’s age appropriate. Help them find non-fiction books that match their interests such as sports, biographies or music. Once they have found books they like, having a cozy space to read will encourage longer reading times and good reading habits.
Try setting up a family reading time where everyone just hangs out with their own book — it makes reading feel more fun and less like a chore. Chat with them about what they’re into, or even read the same book so you can talk about it together. If they start losing interest, mix things up with audiobooks or graphic novels — whatever keeps them turning pages.
Overcoming reading resistance
Many kids dislike reading due to difficulty, lack of interest and a myriad of other reasons. Some kids haven’t found the right book or the right author to pique their interests. Set a positive example and read for enjoyment. When kids see their parents reading for fun, they are more likely to want to read too. If your child is still reluctant, offer alternative formats such as e-readers or audiobooks.
Try working reading into everyday life so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Let your kid pick books that interest them, whether that’s comics, graphic novels or even magazines about their favorite things. A trip to the library or bookstore can make reading feel like an adventure instead of an assignment. You can also set aside a little time each day for reading, no pressure, just a chance to enjoy a good story together.
“If you have a reluctant reader (or a kid with visual processing issues like I do!) look into audiobooks. My ADHD kiddo with sensory and visual processing challenges loves audiobooks and his vocabulary has expanded significantly even though he’s not reading in a traditional sense.”
— Ashley Wali, Wanderlux
Build a reading community
Make reading a family event and read a book together. Each person can have their own copy of a book, one person can read aloud or your family can listen to an audiobook together. Have discussions and do activities that go with the book. For example, if a book talks about a certain food you can make that food together. Attend library story hours or author signings at bookstores.
Get your extended family and friends in on the fun by starting a little book club or swapping favorite reads. Set up a cozy reading spot at home with comfy blankets, good lighting and some snacks, like a cinnamon roll pie and a hot chocolate drink, to make reading time extra inviting. Kids can share their favorite books with siblings or friends, and you can even plan a fun book night where everyone dresses up as a character or acts out scenes. The more you make reading a shared experience, the more fun it becomes for everyone.
Final thoughts
Getting kids into reading is all about making it fun and easy. When books are part of everyday life — whether it’s bedtime stories, comics or audiobooks — kids are more likely to keep turning pages. The key is to let them explore what they love and not stress over what they should be reading. Even the most reluctant reader can find a book they can’t put down with a little patience and encouragement.
Heidi is a Certified Elementary School Teacher in the Inland Northwest and has been teaching for 18 years. She is also a vintage recipe blogger at Real Life of Lulu, where she focuses on recipes that are at least 50 years old, many from her grandparents’ kitchens. When she isn’t teaching or baking, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids.