Most little kids, from babies to kindergarteners, delight in listening to stories. This is a good thing as reading is important for a child’s development, learning, and future. However, for many older children, reading can start to feel like a chore, especially once electronics start to compete for their free time.

School and parents often mandate reading time for kids, but this does not mean the kids fall in love with reading. In fact, sometimes, attempts to get your child to pick up a book can fuel conflict and negativity about reading.

Luckily, there are many effective strategies parents can use to help their child actually enjoy reading rather than dread it. "Parents who facilitate positive book and reading experiences set the groundwork for a love of books, reading, and learning," explains Dana Reisboard, PhD, a professor at the College of Human Services at Widener University in Pennsylvania.

Ahead, learn more about how to raise a child who genuinely loves to read.
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Why Reading Is Important for Kids

In many ways, reading sets the foundation for life skills children will need as they grow up. It is an integral part of school and academia, as well as an important factor in fostering greater awareness of the world around us. Plus, it can help improve mental health.
Academic Performance

Literacy skills and reading go hand-in-hand. "Reading to your child develops letter awareness, word consciousness, and the alphabetic principle," says Dr. Reisboard.

It also functions as the basis for success in so many other subjects. All other subjects and academic areas are learned through reading, says Claire Cameron, PhD, associate professor and director of the Early Childhood and Childhood EdM and PhD programs in the Department of Learning and Instruction at the University at Buffalo (SUNY).

Additionally, children who are stronger readers tend to have better academic achievement and performance.1

This can include other indicators of school success, such as teacher-reported ratings, says Dr. Cameron. Moreover, early reading skills are connected to graduation rates. "Nearly 20% of children who read below grade level at grade 3 don’t graduate from high school,2" she says. "Whereas only 4% of proficient readers at grade 3 fail to graduate on time."

Connection to Society

Research shows that the many benefits of reading extend well beyond literacy, including greater emotional intelligence and even a longer life span.3 Reading provides connection, access to knowledge, and inspiration. It also strengthens a multitude of developmental, academic, socioemotional, and cognitive skills, explains Molly Ness, PhD, a literacy specialist and associate professor in childhood education at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education in New York City.

Reading can also foster curiosity and connection about the world around us, explains Hirokazu Yoshikawa, PhD, Courtney Sale Ross Professor of Globalization and Education and Department of Applied Psychology professor at New York University Steinhardt in New York City. "It is a critical social activity that rests at the foundation of our society and its future," he says. Additionally, reading enhances vocabulary, builds background knowledge, and promotes understanding of others.
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Mental Health Benefits

Reading may also make us calmer and happier. "Studies show that reading activates portions of the brain associated with language,4" says Dr. Ness. "Even cooler, studies show that reading lowers blood pressure, builds the neurochemicals associated with pleasure, and helps slow down heart rates.5"

Also, crucially, sharing books with your child can make you closer while your child learns. "Reading aloud promotes emotional bonding between a parent and a child and supports early language and literacy development," says Sophie Degener, EdD, a literacy expert, former elementary school teacher, and associate professor at National Louis University in Illinois.
How to Encourage a Love of Reading

"Kids need three main things to help cultivate a love of reading: curiosity, time, and modeling," says Heather Mansberger, a reading specialist with over 25 years of experience working with elementary school-aged kids in California and Oregon. Make reading together a fun, exciting bonding time each day.
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Read Aloud to Them

Experts agree that simply reading with your child is the best way to foster a love of reading.6 Aim for reading to be a social activity, not a solitary one, so it builds relationships as well as knowledge and curiosity. "It should be fun, interactive, and the basis for lots of asking, listening, curiosity, and connection," explains Dr. Yoshikawa.

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