Trust the Process

Read through the articles in this topic, in similar articles on the Suite101 directory, in parenting magazines and books. Offer book choices outside the range of your own taste. Lower your expectations of their abilities to learn. Your kids will usually love reading if you do. They just might not grab it in five seconds. The single act of reading aloud to your kids will introduce reading to them as a natural part of life. They'll have a desire to read because they'll want to reproduce the joy they experience every time you open a book for them. All this might take time for them to appreciate. Continue in these good reading habits. They might want to hear the same story repeated many times. An experience of comfort surrounds them as they recognise the familiarities. Stretch them gradually with new stories, concepts and situations. Soon enough they'll develop critical thinking and other skills needed for a lifetime of reading.

Realise this process can only happen in the ebb and flow of your life if it is a constant activity. Dribs and drabs of reading activity are only good intentions on your part. Stick with it and make a mark on the impressionable lives of your children. Make reading a priority and they'll place great value on it, too. If you're just starting out on this journey with your kids, begin the process by keeping the focus on pure pleasure. No one is suggesting any kind of a strict reading regime, with a measured quota of pages or chapters for each day of the week. Keep it fun and enjoy the process as a family. Grow together in good reading and enjoying quality family time.