In an age of smart phones and the internet, reading remains a habit many parents want their children to adopt. Reading helps a person build positive experiences, curiosity, consistency, and emotional connection. Despite being aware of the benefits of reading, many parents are unable to help their children fall in love with it. While the instinctive answer for many is buying more books. This strategy may increase the number of options, but it doesn’t necessarily help them fall in love with books. Instead, children who love reading have parents who quietly create an environment where reading feels natural rather than forced.These are the six parenting habits that can nurture a lasting love for books in children.
6 Jul 2026 | 14:01
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They read aloud
Parents read bedtime stories aloud for their children. But some parents stop this ritual once their children learn to read. In contrast, parents who raise avid readers, continue reading bedtime stories for their children. When a child listens to a parent reading stories, they get exposure to expressive storytelling and imagination.So, reading aloud for your child can offer benefits beyond their younger years.
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They let children see them reading
Children notice far more than parents realise, and the same goes for when parents are reading. A parent who occasionally keeps a novel curled with them, or reads a newspaper in the morning quietly communicates that reading is enjoyable.When books are visible in everyday life, reading feels more like a normal habit rather than something that needs to be done as per a timetable.
Their outing plans are often in bookstores and libraries
For children, experiences often matter as much as books themselves. Parents who regularly visit libraries or bookstores teach children that books are something to explore, not simply assignments to complete.In libraries and bookstores, children get to see a variety of books. This exposure allows them to explore different genres. Additionally, when children grow up, they associate their reading habits with these cherished family outings.
They let children choose what interests them
Insisting that every book one reads must be educational is the quickest way to discourage reading in children. Children develop an interest in reading when they genuinely enjoy it.Some parents worry that comics or fantasy books don’t count as real reading. But, parents who raise readers, believe that any material engaging a child in reading helps them build confidence and comprehension.
They talk about what’s in the book
Instead of asking children if they have finished reading the book they were reading, parents who raise readers ask them questions about it. “What are you liking about it?” or a simple “How’s the book, what’s in it?”- encourages children to think critically. It also makes children feel that their interests also excite their parents- thus it creates a common ground for bonding.
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They give children moments to read
Modern childhood is busy. Many children have packed schedules, filled with tuitions, classes and sports sessions. Amid all this, reading becomes an almost impossible task. While all these activities are important, it is also essential for a child to have free time where they can explore things that interest them.Parents who raise enthusiastic readers often protect calm moments during the day. That doesn’t require an elaborate reading room. A cosy corner with cushions, a comfortable chair near a window, or a few uninterrupted minutes before bedtime can make reading feel inviting. Over time, these quiet reading moments become something children look forward to rather than avoid.
