6 Simple Ways to Add More Reading Time to Your Child’s Day

Since it’s a brand new year, many of us are thinking about making room for more things that bring us joy and satisfaction. Maybe we’ve set a goal to adopt healthier habits. Maybe our goal is reduce the amount of time we’re scrolling through our phones or watching television. Or maybe we just want to spend more time together with those we love. How about doing all three? Consider adding more time reading to your and your child’s day!

Any amount of time reading aloud to your child is time well spent, whether it’s at home, at your local library, or when you’re on the move. Your little one will love the time they have your undivided attention or when they get a change of scenery from the same old bedtime routine (though bedtime reading is engaging, too!). To make life a little easier, here’s a list of a few suggestions to help add more reading to your and your child’s day.

6 Simple Ways to Add More Reading Time to Your Child’s Day

Make story time fun and playful.

Mix up your little one’s favorite repeat book with some fun. Sing, dance, or play while reading to make the time enjoyable for you and your kid. For inspiration, check out the 10 Ways to Explore this Book in the back of your Raising Readers story book or on our website.

Unplug and read.

Turn off your device and read with your child 20 minutes a day.* It doesn’t have to be all in one sitting!

*The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 18 months avoid screen-time and children older than 2 years old should limit media to 1 hour (or less) of high-quality programming each day.

Visit the local library often with your little one.

Consider signing up for a library card (it’s free!) and check out books for both you and your child. (Hot tip: The Raising Readers tote you got the day your baby was born makes a great library bag to haul boos to and fro!) Even if you don’t have a library card, you can join in on a story hour and explore the children’s book section.

Fill wait time with reading.

If you find yourself waiting at the grocery store, in a restaurant, or at a doctor’s office, pull out a book and share the love of reading with your child.

Make reading aloud routine.

Story time doesn’t always have to happen snuggled up at bedtime. Try reading at meals, during bath times, or even while brushing teeth! This shows little ones that books are a fun and important part of everyday.

Find a book YOU love and get caught reading.

You’re the most important person in your little one’s world. When they see you reading a book, a magazine, or a newspaper, they see that reading for pleasure is not only an important way to spend time, but it’s also fun!

Does your family have any tips for incorporating more read-aloud time in your busy days that we didn’t include here? Share them on the Raising Readers Facebook page or email them to info@raisingreaders.org. We and other families would love to hear from you!