Hey my Niki MENAGES!
Welcome back to another post.
I’m pretty sure you’re reading this post because you are ready to ignite a lifelong love affair with books in your kids, and you want to inspire this love for reading as early as possible. Or maybe you would wish to do so in future, or you want to know how I did mine… Still do.
Bribing kids with a scoop of ice cream for finishing a book in the Dork Diaries series is definitely not one of them.
I’m very much aware of the fact that some kids naturally love reading, while some see it as a mundane chore. Now, is there anything as ‘naturally’ loving something? Kids can only love naturally if you are intentional about exposing them to those favorites and giving them what to love naturally.
Whatever the case may be, I’ll be more than glad to share my tips with you, free of all charges, as usual. I’ve published something similar in the past, but this time, I included ways this habit can be sustained to yield a lasting result.
I had always envisioned my daughters devouring books the way I did as a child. But like most parenting fantasies, this one is still a work in progress, for me.
But am I making progress? Definitely! Absolutely!
So, fasten your seat belts and grab a cup of coffee or ice tea (depending on what the weather is like).
Ready?
You Just Have To Love Reading
Firstly, do you enjoy reading? It’s actually hard to inspire your child to be a reader if you’re not much of a reader, yourself.
That’s why I always preach about modelling the kind of behaviour you wish to see. I could do an entire post on books that will ignite your reading culture as a mum. Let me know if you would want to see that post.
Replace Screen Time With Books Books Books
Next, is your child a movie freak? Always begging to watch the next part in the series?
Ok, that’s normal, but what are you doing about it?
Maybe you should consider asking him or her to try out the book version of that movie or tv series he/she loves so much. I bet it would even have more details about the character’s inate traits too and your child would enjoy it more.
I remember ordering a copy of Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir book for Niki months ago, when she used to be obsessed with the animation. And today, she is the better for it.
The Magical Feeling
One thing is when kids enjoy a book, there’s a higher chance that they would want to keep on reading more books.
That’s how the love affair starts.
THERE IS NO ABRACADABRA OR MAGIC SPELLS NEEDED, WHATSOEVER.
Maybe there could be a course being offered at Hogwarts for that, though.
This brings me to the most important steps.
Start Early
It’s never too early. Weave stories into your everyday routine from when they are very little. Or start now, if you haven’t already.
Reading Nook
Have a cozy reading nook in one of the corners of your home. It makes reading more appealing and the kids would look forward to it. Mine is just a basic teepee tent, which I ordered online. But it does the trick of serving as a reading hide out for the girls, and they love it.
What to Expect
I love it too cos which mum would not appreciate little ‘me time’ within the confines of her home, even with the kids indoors?
It seems impossible, but it is totally possible and what a magical feeling too.
I’m sure it’s no longer news to know that books will help you achieve that magic.
Keep your kids reading, keep them exploring, keep setting the pace for a passion that blooms more and more, as your child grows older and wiser.
XOXO,
Yours Truly
Nikimandi
