How do we Encourage our Children to Read?

[By Agnes Mamerga, Simplified Education]

Is it justifiable to impose that children must-read books, particularly during school breaks? This question continually reverberates within me as both an educator and a parent. However, if my child is engrossed in a literary pursuit that I deem unworthy, am I willing to battle wills with my 12-year-old son, who may be fixated on reading jokes and algorithmic tomes? Should I hinder my 15-year-old daughter from perusing fashion critiques merely because they contradict my values? Should I withhold my opinion if they are, at the very least, reading something sensible? It is widely known that reading sparks unparalleled imagination in children and fosters superior writing abilities, as their vocabulary expands proportionally with each book devoured.

Reading Guidelines

Are there rigid guidelines on what our children ought to read? Should they abide by any rules? For a while, I purchased a myriad of books that aligned with my preference and strategically placed them in my children's rooms, anticipating that they would instantly immerse themselves in these pages. What a colossal squander of funds that proved to be! Fortunately, I could donate these books to a charitable organisation; otherwise, it would have wasted effort and energy.

What did I glean from this ill-conceived strategy? In retrospect, I realise that I was foolish to believe these books would magically compel my children to peruse them merely because they were present. In selecting the books myself, I disregarded my children's inclinations and deprived them of the freedom to choose their literary genres. Rather than being an overbearing and authoritarian mother, I should have allowed them to select their own literature.

As parents, the best approach is to acquaint our children with what is available in the market, both in brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers, but then relinquish control and allow them to exercise their preferences. We must acknowledge that they possess their views and opinions. It matters little whether they opt for a paperback or Kindle edition, fiction or non-fiction. It is crucial that they comprehend what they read, derive pleasure from the experience, and view reading as a pastime, not a chore.

My personal story/experience

In the past, while my children were in primary school, I frequently overheard mothers instructing their children to select different books as they disapproved of their choices; the books were too thin, lacking in chapters, and therefore unsatisfactory. I would maintain silence and refrain from intervening.

However, I now advise my acquaintances not to fixate on the size or thickness of the book their children select. Unless their child genuinely enjoys reading chapter books, they need not be limited to such literature. It is also irrelevant if their kids prefer to read slogans or posters if they comprehend the material.

Rather than coerce children to read, we must encourage them and assist them in locating the most suitable books. Once they find a book that piques their interest, they will quickly become engrossed! By adopting this approach, reading will become a stress-free habit in the household and a source of harmony, with fewer arguments (hopefully!).

Let us set an example and be role models for our children by reading the books, enabling us to monitor their selected material. What better method to demonstrate our passion for reading?

Let us encourage, not delegate or dictate!

How do you inspire your children to read? I welcome your perspectives below!