Why Parents Should Read (If They Want Their Kids to Read, Too)

I've mentioned before that my parents kept a well-rounded library in our home, a fact that highly influenced me to try new books. But just having books around isn't the whole answer to tempting your kids to read. Seeing my parents read the books in their library made me think that everybody read for edification and entertainment. Who was I to break tradition?

Creating a Reading Culture at Home

Some of my favorite memories are of my grandmother and my mother reading books to me. This was my first introduction to books, and it was richly mingled with feelings of love and safety. Reading was something we did on a daily basis. Every day, after lunch, my mother would let us choose books and we would all sit down on the couch and listen to stories. With multiple siblings, it was not always easy to see the pictures so we would lean on each other for a better view. I can still picture the sun pouring down light on that crowded couch in the living room as we immersed ourselves in stories.

The Power of Example

Now, as a mom, I also keep lots of books in our home. There are bookshelves on every floor of our house. However, in this digital age, most of the books I read are on my phone. It's so convenient! An entire library that I can carry in my pocket. The drawback is that my kids can't always tell when I'm reading or scrolling through social media. For that reason, I do two things: Before I sit down to read, I casually announce that I'm reading a book. The second thing I do is to talk to them about what it is I'm reading.

The Lasting Impact

When parents read, they’re doing more than just being a good example. They’re showing their children that stories matter, that knowledge is powerful, and that reading isn’t just for school assignments—it’s something you do for joy, for healing, for fun, and for the excitement of learning something new.

Creating a Reading Culture at Home

If you want your child to read more, here are a few simple ways to make reading a natural and enjoyable part of your family’s routine:

1. Let Them See You Read – Whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or even a cookbook, make sure your kids see you engaged in reading. They’ll start to associate books with relaxation and enjoyment.

2. Read Together – Even if your child is old enough to read on their own, reading together is a powerful bonding experience. Share bedtime stories, take turns reading a chapter book aloud, or even listen to audiobooks as a family.

3. Talk About Books – Kids love to be part of conversations. Discuss what you’re reading, ask them about their books, and share favorite stories from your own childhood.

4. Fill Your Home with Books – A home filled with books naturally invites reading. Keep books in every room, visit the library often, and give books as gifts.

5. Make Reading a Joy, Not a Chore – Don’t force reading; make it fun! Let kids choose their own books, explore different genres, and never shame them for their preferences—whether it’s comics, graphic novels, or fantasy.