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4 Ways to Get Your Toddler Reading

My friends and I were exchanging stories about our kids via text. One piped up, “I caught Elisa reading at 10:30 last night. She’d been in bed for over an hour! I told her she’d better turn off her light and go to sleep or I’d take her book away.” There was a long pause before anyone replied. Then someone sent what the rest of us were thinking: “If that’s your biggest issue with her right now, you’re lucky!” I was secretly jealous. Not because my child was misbehaving, but because I wish she were the kind of reader who sneaks books under her covers.

Some kids naturally fall in love with reading, but there are also things moms can do to help foster the desire in their kids, and it starts when they’re toddlers, before reading age. If you can get your toddler reading (or doing the toddler version of reading), you’ll give her a love of books, storytelling, and imagination. Work these 4 habits into life daily life and before you know it, your child will be the one staying up past her bedtime.

1. Be a reader.

Some of the earliest memories your child will have are the routines and everyday things you do in your home. I can still remember my mom jumping on a tiny trampoline, working out in our living room when I was a toddler. If your toddler sees you reading, it will leave an impression. Take time every day to read something: a newspaper, a magazine, a book, even a recipe.

2. Read to your toddler—a lot.

I know toddlers have short attention spans, but short books and picture books are good places to start. Let them help turn the pages and point to objects they see. While in the doctor’s office, show them pictures of dogs or kids in magazines. If they climb up in your lap while you’re studying or reading, tell them what your book is about.

3. Read when asked, and be excited about it.

Children can always tell when you don’t want to do something. But if their requests are met with enthusiasm, they’ll be more likely to ask again. So always be excited to read with your child. First, let her know you saw her and heard her request. If you are in the middle of something, explain that to her and then read the story when the task is done. If it is a lengthy task, take a five-minute break to read a short book.

Always be excited to read with your child. Click To Tweet

4. Act out the story.

Sure, this sounds a bit daunting, but have fun with the stories! If you have other creative children in the house, make it a family affair. Take a simple story like Hop on Pop and have your kids act it out. Bring out stuffed animals like the fox or mouse. Changing your voice for different characters keeps your toddler’s attention and also your own. You might find that the little voices and fun ways of telling a story create sweet memories for you, too.

How have you fostered a love for reading in your home?

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