Getting your child excited about reading doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. The truth is that building a love of books happens through simple, everyday moments that fit naturally into your family's schedule. When reading becomes part of your daily routine, kids start to see it as something normal and valuable.
Research shows that even small amounts of daily reading make a real difference. Just 10 to 20 minutes every day adds up to hundreds of hours over a year, and that's enough to help your child develop strong reading habits. These minutes don't need to be perfect—they just need to happen regularly.
Pick a Time and Stick With It
The easiest way to build a reading habit is to choose one specific time each day when reading always happens. This could be right after breakfast, before nap time, during bath time, or at bedtime. When your child knows reading happens at the same time every single day, it becomes a normal part of their routine, just like getting dressed or eating lunch. Your child will start to expect it and look forward to it, according to Rally Reader.
Put Books Where Your Child Can Easily Find Them
Kids are more likely to pick up a book when they can see one right in front of them. Keep books in different rooms of your house, in your car, and in your bag for appointments or waiting rooms. Put some books in a low basket or shelf where your child can reach them without asking for help. When books are visible and easy to grab, your child will naturally want to look at them.
Let Your Child Choose What to Read
One of the most powerful things you can do is let your child pick which books you read together. When kids have control over their choices, they get more excited and feel proud about what they're reading. You can offer a few options to choose from, but let your child make the final decision. If your child wants to read the same book over and over, that's great—repetition actually helps kids learn better and feel more confident.
Talk About the Story Together
Reading is much more effective when you talk about what's happening in the book. Stop sometimes to ask your child what they think will happen next or how a character is feeling. Use silly voices for different characters and let your child help tell the story. These conversations help your child understand the story better and enjoy the experience more, Reading Rockets said.
Point Out Reading in Everyday Life
Help your child see that reading happens everywhere, not just in storybooks. Read recipes aloud when you're cooking together, point out words on signs at the grocery store, and look at package labels together. Ask your child to find words on menus or street signs. When kids see reading being used in real life, they understand that it matters and is useful.
Don't Make It Feel Like a Chore
Remember that the goal is to help your child love reading, not feel stressed about it. If your child doesn't want to read on a particular day, that's fine—you can try again tomorrow. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Whether your child is reading independently, listening to audiobooks, or sitting with you while you read aloud, it all counts, and it's all helping them develop a love of books.
When you make books a regular part of your family's life, you're giving your child a gift that lasts forever. Reading becomes something your child will carry with them throughout their whole life, helping them learn, imagine, and explore the world, as per Start With a Book.
