Screens are everywhere these days, competing for our children’s attention. Yet, books offer something unique – they spark curiosity, bring comfort, and unlock worlds of imagination and insight.
Encouraging children to reach for a book might take some extra effort in a digital world, but it’s a journey worth taking. Whether they’re toddlers clutching their first picture book or primary school children diving into adventure stories, here’s how to make reading a treasured part of family life.
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Start Early with Print Books
Print books can make reading feel special from the very start. There’s something calming about holding a book, turning the pages, and exploring illustrations. By starting with simple printed stories, children learn that reading is enjoyable – a way to relax and discover.
Create a Comfy Reading Spot
A cosy corner with a basket of books can work wonders. It might be a quiet spot by the window or a beanbag in their bedroom – somewhere they can grab a book and settle in. When books are easy to reach, reading feels like a natural choice, just part of what they do at home.
Set the Example
Children are quick to copy what they see. If they watch you reading a book or flipping through a magazine, they’ll see reading as something worth doing. Whether it’s a novel, recipe book, or newspaper, showing them that reading is part of your day lets them know it’s something to enjoy, too.
Read Aloud, Together
Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers – primary school children often love being read to, even up to grade 6 or 7. It’s about picking a book that’s engaging and age-appropriate. Sharing a story as a family can turn reading into a relaxing and memorable bonding activity. Gathering together to enjoy a chapter each night or discussing the plot builds a sense of connection, making reading feel like quality time.
Let Kids Pick Their Books
Letting children choose their own books is key to keeping them interested. Take them to the library or a bookshop and encourage them to browse and pick what catches their eye – comics, animal books, mysteries, anything that excites them. The choice is theirs, and that makes all the difference.
Use Technology Smartly
Technology can be a fantastic support for children with reading challenges, such as dyslexia or ADHD. Audiobooks and interactive e-books provide access to stories in a way that feels natural without putting pressure on traditional reading skills. For children with dyslexia, engaging with stories through these formats is not “cheating” – it’s a way to enjoy the richness of books without the struggle. Digital tools open reading, making it enjoyable and achievable for all children, so they can dive into stories and explore new worlds in their own way.
Make Time for Reading Without Screens
Setting aside time for reading without screens allows children to get into the habit. This could be a family reading time after dinner or a weekend hour where everyone picks up a book. Little by little, reading becomes part of their daily routine, and they’ll come to enjoy this quiet time away from screens.
Celebrate Little Reading Wins
Acknowledging progress helps children see reading as something positive. Simple celebrations, like chatting about a story they enjoyed or planning a book-themed activity, can make a big impact. Even setting up a mini book club with friends or family brings excitement to reading and gives them something to look forward to.
Helping children love reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Creating space for books in a world full of screens helps them explore, imagine, and grow. By making reading part of family life, you’ll give them a love for stories that’s always there, just waiting to be enjoyed
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Recommended Books by Age Group
To help you get started, here are some recommended books broken down by age group:
For young children (ages 0-5):
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
- Anything by Julia Donaldson
For foundation phase children (ages 6-9):
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
- The Twits by Roald Dahl
- George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
For intermediate phase children (ages 10-13):
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
- The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
- The Witches by Roald Dahl
- Holes by Louis Sachar
For teenagers (ages 13-18):
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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About Harmony at Home
Harmony at Home, founded by Lauren Fischer, is a wellness counselling and coaching practice dedicated to helping families create balance and build meaningful connections. Harmony at Home offers supportive guidance for strengthening relationships and growing emotional resilience within the family.
