As a parent or someone in a parenting role, you play an essential role in your child’s success. There are intentional ways to grow a healthy parent-child/teen relationship, and growing skills in reading is a great way to do it.

Reading is essential for your child’s/teen’s success in school. Reading also plays a critical role in your child’s/teen’s 

●      social and emotional development[1] 

●      language development

●      executive functions like working memory and self-control ^1

●      connection to you

●      empathy and understanding of others

●      imagination (ability to “see” the story) ^2

●      ability to choose healthy behaviors (preventing high-risk behaviors and unhealthy choices)

Researchers have found that social, emotional, and cognitive development cannot be separated. They directly and indirectly impact one another.^3^ Children/Teens exercise their responsible decision-making skills and moral development as they reflect on their favorite character’s choices and the outcomes. 

Children/teens ages eleven to fourteen are in the process of learning how to read larger, more complicated texts and extracting meaning from them. Children/teens ages thirteen to fourteen are required in school to begin thinking abstractly about their reading and deciphering metaphors, symbols, and cultural themes. All children/teens can establish critical learning habits through reading that will extend throughout their school years. Reading is learned best snuggled up next to parents, grandparents, and other loved ones. The single most important activity for building skills essential for reading success is reading aloud to children. ^4

Parents tend to stop reading aloud as children/teens get older and become more competent readers. However, even high school students (and adults) benefit from collaborative reading or reading aloud. In reading together, you deepen your caring connection (relationship skills). You and your child/teen gain insight into the characters’ inner lives - thoughts and feelings - in a way that no other source can allow you access (social awareness). And, with that exploration of others’ experiences, you learn more about who you are (self-awareness) and what you value (responsible decision-making).

Yet, anyone can face challenges when it comes to establishing a daily reading routine. Families today are busier than ever, with more demands on their time. 

Children/teens are highly entertained and stimulated by technology. It may take more encouragement than past generations to start reading. But once you get into a routine and make it a joyful experience, it can enrich your family life and deepen your intimacy while promoting valuable skills for school and life success. The steps below include specific, practical strategies and effective conversation starters to support family reading cooperatively.

Why Reading?

Becoming intentional about a daily reading routine, looking for ways to incorporate reading into family time spent together, and considering the quality of the experience of reading together can all contribute to a child’s/teen’s development. 

Today, in the short term, reading can create

●      greater opportunities for connection and enjoyment 

●      opportunity for dialogue and reflection

●      a direct and simple way to influence your child’s/teen’s positive development

Tomorrow, in the long term, reading helps your child/teen

●      build skills in collaboration and cooperative goal-setting

●      build skills in hard work and persistence 

●      develop empathy, creative thinking, and responsible decision-making skills

●      create positive learning habits that contribute directly to school success

Five Steps for Reading 

This five-step process helps your family establish a routine for daily reading and builds important skills in your child/teen. The same process can also be used to address other parenting issues (learn more about the process)[2] .

Tip: These steps are best when you and your child/teen are not tired or in a rush. Tip: Intentional communication[3]  and a healthy parenting relationship[4]  support these steps.Step 1. Get Your Child/Teen Thinking by Getting Their Input

You can get your child/teen thinking about establishing a routine for daily reading by asking open-ended questions. Seeking their input and offering authentic choices in designing a plan to establish a routine for daily reading offers multiple benefits. 

In gaining input, your child/teen

●      has the opportunity to think through their routine and problem-solve any challenges they may encounter ahead of time

●      has a greater stake in anything they’ve designed themself (and with that sense of ownership comes a greater responsibility for implementing the routine)

●      will have more motivation to work together and cooperate because of their sense of ownership

●      will be working with you on making informed decisions (understanding the reasons behind those decisions) about a critical aspect of their learning -- reading

Actions

●      Get curious about the books your child/teen is reading at school. They may be reading books you remember. Engage them in a discussion about the books they are reading.

●      Discuss with your child/teen the differences between reading a book and watching a movie. Talk about which option allows for more creativity and self-expression.

●      Discuss how they make decisions about what to read. Ask: “How do you know a book will be interesting?” or“How do you know whether a book is appropriate for you?”  

●      Allow your child/teen some choices when establishing a reading routine. Allowing choices will add to their sense of control and motivation to read. Questions you could ask to better understand their preferences include: 

○      “How much reading homework do you usually get from school every day?”

○      “Considering all of the activities that typically take place after school, when is the best time to read?”

●      Create a space that can consistently be used for reading time. Although reading can take place anytime and anywhere, having a designated place ensures there is a well-lit, quiet, and comfortable spot. The goal of your reading space is to provide a well-equipped, consistent place for your child/teen to fully focus on a story. Setting up a reading nook can be highly motivating to a child/teen and may encourage more of their own time spent on reading.

●      Create a family reading rule. Invite discussion at dinner about books that the family is reading. Engage in the topic equally so your child/teen is not carrying the burden of the conversation.

●      Approach reading time as a treat, not a chore. If you save reading for after things like doing homework or getting ready for bed, then reading can be viewed as a desirable time to be together.

●      Allow your child/teen to select their own books that look interesting and desirable. You can learn more about books to offer your child/teen on the online review tool from Common Sense Media (or download their app). It offers the developmental appropriateness of each book and a sneak preview along with central themes. 

●      Follow your child’s/teen’s interests. At school, they are asked to engage in reading that may not be of interest to them. It is okay if your child/teen only wants to read graphic novels for fun. Listening to audible books can also be a fun way to incorporate reading with a child/teen who shows little interest in picking up a book. Listening to a book together on a long car ride can be a great way to share in a reading experience.   

●      Consider removing easy technology distractions at least an hour before bedtime and incorporating reading into your child’s/teen’s wind-down routine. Transitioning from the excited brain activity of technology to sleep can be difficult. Reading can be an excellent transition. 

Tip: Make it fun! Designing a reading spot together can be an enjoyable experience. Allow your child/teen to pick out their own pillows, bean bag chairs, or bookmarks. Step 2. Teach New Skills

As a parent or someone in a parenting role, learning about what developmental milestones[5]  your child/teen is working on can help you know which aspects might be more difficult for them when it comes to reading. 

●      Eleven-year-olds tend to enjoy challenging tasks but may not be organized about their academic work, so they can use support to manage their time. They desire staying up late, so parents can contribute to their learning by helping them stick to bedtime rules to get enough sleep. They may need quiet downtime, which is a perfect chance for reading if there are clear rules and limits on screen time. They can enjoy reading to younger children. They are interested in real-world problems, so nonfiction or historical fiction may interest this age group.

●      Twelve- and thirteen-year-olds are capable of empathy and seeing another’s perspective, so books with strong, interesting characters facing challenging dilemmas can be of interest. This age group is grappling with the risks of adulthood and trying to understand the roles of sex, alcohol, drugs, family problems, and violence. Books that bring wisdom and insight into social situations can interest twelve- and thirteen-year-olds, provoke their thinking, and hone their own sense of right and wrong.

●      Fourteen-year-olds are undergoing rapid growth and require lots of sleep, food, and exercise, so make sure that your routines are consistent to refuel when needed. Fourteen-year-olds assert their independence, so they may think they are invincible and know everything. Despite this, they still look to adults to set boundaries to help them through this uncertain time when they need to take risks. This is a particularly important age for allowing plenty of choice in reading material. Fourteen-year-olds can “play out” their need for risk in high-stakes adventure books, thrillers, ghost stories, or nonfiction weird-but-true stories. Because of their increased interest in sexuality and attraction, they may also gravitate toward romances or love stories. This is a healthy outlet for their need for risk and also provides quiet downtime amid significant growth and development.

Actions

●      Listen with interest when your child/teen invites you to learn more about what they are reading or asks a question. Try to relate any themes to their life. You can also ask questions such as:

○      “What captures your interest when you start reading a book?”

○      “Which character do you identify with the most?”

○      “What are some themes in the book that are similar or different to how you live?” 

●      Share your curiosity and interest in the subject, but do not provide an answer.

●      Model reading. Remember, your child/teen is watching you and will notice if you do or do not read around your home. Allow your child/teen to pick a book for you or read a book they have read and bring it into your conversations. 

●      Research information together in books. Talk about the difference between online research and looking up something in a book. Although it’s tempting to do all of your research about a topic online, be sure to include books or articles in your research process. If your child/teen is doing a science project on geology, internet research can be helpful. But, be sure to also seek out books that can provide helpful background information. This cultivates a habit of seeking out the information they require through books.

●      Encourage your child/teen to take “brain breaks” while they are reading to allow them to process what they have read. They can take a break to walk around, play with the dog, or do a chore. You could also share how you take brain breaks at work and strategies that have worked for you.

●      Follow your child’s/teen’s lead on books. Take a trip to the library and see what they select. Give them the choice of which books to read.

●      Parents do not need to be subject matter experts. Indeed, your child/teen may be reading about topics that you may not know anything about. That is exciting! Encourage them to share this knowledge with you. Appear interested and engaged. Model active learning. If they need information, be a research assistant and provide the support they need to find the right information.

TIP: Research shows that many boys tend to stop reading for pleasure by their own choice around nine or ten.^5^Experts suspect this is because boys tend toward nonfiction topics like the natural world or how-to topics like how to build a treehouse. They might also gravitate toward graphic novels or comics. Experts suspect that parents can voice their disapproval of these reading choices and inadvertently discourage reading. Be sure you leave judgment of book choices behind and only encourage their reading. Nonfiction and graphic novels are excellent choices if they interest your young reader. As long as it’s safe content, offer your support and interest.Step 3. Practice to Grow Skills and Develop Habits

Your daily routines are opportunities for your child/teen to practice vital new skills. With practice, your child/teen will improve over time as you give them the chance with support. Practice grows vital new brain connections that strengthen (and eventually form habits) each time your child/teen works hard toward a goal or demonstrates belief in themself.

Reading practice can take the form of reading together, reading individually, or talking about what each person in the family is reading. When children/teens talk about what they are reading, they are growing vital new brain connections around presentation, summarizing, and synthesizing. 

Actions

●      Use “I’d love to hear…” as a way to get your child/teen talking about what they are reading. This might sound like, “I remember reading this book. I’d love to hear what it’s about?”

●      Recognize any effort your child/teen makes either reading or sharing with you what they are reading. Say, “I so appreciate hearing about the book through your lens because you have such an interesting way of looking at things.”

●      Proactively remind your child/teen to help them be successful. This might sound like, “I am looking forward to hearing about the latest in the book that you are reading.”

Trap: Resist the temptation to repeat yourself. Children/Teens often need more time to perform tasks that challenge them even if you believe they are simple and don’t require much time. If you constantly remind  them about reading, they will resist. Your waiting could make the difference in whether they are able to do what you need them to do.Step 4. Support Your Child’s/Teen’s Development and Success

At this point, you’ve taught your child/teen several new positive learning habits so that they understand how to perform them. You’ve practiced together, and now you can offer support when it’s needed. Parents naturally offer support as they see their child/teen fumble with a situation in which they need help. This is no different. 

Actions

●      Promote a learning attitude. Be curious about your child/teen and what they are learning. The more you model curiosity, the more they will engage in books as well as in the world around them.

●      Talk positively about reading and share your interest in reading. Talk with your child/teen about your favorite books and what makes you feel connected with the characters.

●      Coach your child/teen to get more support if needed. Encourage them to talk with their teachers to get book recommendations or alternatives. Hold firm to the belief that if your child/teen doesn’t like reading, it is because they haven’t found the subjects that captivate them.

●      Stay engaged. Read with your child/teen and discuss books regularly. Make a plan to read a particular book that also has a movie and watch and compare the movie after reading the book.

Tip: Become aware of your own reactions to reading. Make sure that your tone and attitude are one of enjoyment, curiosity, and learning. Step 5. Recognize Efforts

No matter how old your child/teen is, your positive reinforcement and encouragement have a significant impact.

If your child/teen is working to grow their skills – even in small ways – it will be worthwhile to recognize it. Your recognition can go a long way in promoting positive behaviors and expanding your child's/teen’s confidence. Your recognition also promotes safe, secure, and nurturing relationships -- a foundation for strong communication and a healthy relationship with you as they grow. 

There are many ways to reinforce your child’s/teen’s efforts. It is essential to distinguish between three types of reinforcement: recognition, rewards, and bribes. These three distinct parenting behaviors have different impacts on your child’s/teen’s behavior.   

Recognition occurs after you observe the desired behavior in your child/teen. Noticing and naming the specific behavior you want to...