Editor’s Note: The perspectives in this article are based on personal experiences and educational observations. They are not a substitute for professional guidance. Every child is different—consider what works best for your family.

Fostering a reading habit born out of true passion can have a massive impact on children’s lives and future. The University of Oxford found that reading for pleasure was more important for children’s cognitive development than their parents’ education. According to the University of Sussex, even 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.

However, in 2024, only 34.6% of young people aged 8 to 18 declared enjoying reading in their free time—the lowest level since the National Literacy Trust began tracking this in 2005.

What are parents to do? Our experts have answers.

Lead by Example to Spark Reading Passion

There are multiple ways that parents can encourage a love for reading for their children. 

1. Monkey see, monkey do: Lead by example and share their own love for reading. Grow a home library, visit the local library, read in front of their children and share the excitement of reading their book with their children.

2. Incorporate books into every day: Start and end the day with a book, connect real life events with books, create play activities inspired by books

3. Make them fun: Add elements of drama into story time. Change voices, tones, speed, facial expressions. Incorporate puppets, ask questions you know your child can answer and then add some that will broaden their knowledge. Make up your own endings, act out the characters

4. Follow your child’s interests: If your child is interested in insects and mini beasts, read all the books about insects and mini beasts. Is your child loving construction trucks?Surround them with more books featuring construction books

5. Multi media: There are so many books on YouTube, Audiobooks can be played in the car or better yet, record parents, grandparents or other loved ones reading books. Use books to connect with family and friends far via FaceTime.

Dani Davidson, Director, CVC At Home

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Cozy Reading Nooks Transform Children’s Book Interest

I’ve learned that creating cozy reading nooks in different parts of the house can really spark kids’ interest in books. When I reorganized my daughter’s room, we added a comfy bean bag, some soft lighting, and dedicated a special shelf where she could display her favorite books like treasures. It’s amazing how this simple change made her actually look forward to reading time – she even started asking for books instead of screen time!

Justin Carpenter, Founder, Jacksonville Maids

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Let Children Choose Their Reading Adventure

Let them lead the way. When my son was younger, I stopped assigning books and started offering choices. One day he grabbed a football magazine, and that small shift changed everything. It wasn’t the most literary option, but he read it cover to cover and asked for more.

That’s when I realized the key is ownership. Kids are more likely to read when they feel in control. Stock the house with different genres, let them browse, and resist the urge to correct their picks. Once reading feels like something they’re choosing for themselves, it becomes a habit that sticks.

James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]

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Reading Together Creates Powerful Family Bonds

As a mental health professional, I’ve seen how reading together creates powerful bonding moments – like when one of my young clients and his mom started a bedtime book club, sharing Harry Potter stories and discussing their favorite characters. I encourage parents to make reading an emotional experience by asking open-ended questions about how the story makes their child feel and relating characters’ experiences to their own lives.

Aja Chavez, Executive Director, Mission Prep Healthcare

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Make Reading Natural, Not Forced

Make reading part of everyday life. Keep books within reach. Read during quiet moments. Let your child see you choose a book over a screen. Small habits send strong signals.

Give them the freedom to choose. Stories in any form count. The goal is interest, not perfection. When kids feel ownership, they stay engaged. Reading becomes something they do for themselves, not something done to meet expectations.

Keep the tone relaxed. Talk about what you read together. Share reactions. Keep books nearby during downtime. Create a simple routine that includes reading. No rewards. No pressure. Consistency builds comfort.

Visit public spaces where books are available. Say yes often. Let curiosity lead. That builds confidence.

When reading feels natural, kids stick with it. When it feels shared, they come back to it. Build that environment early. Let it grow on its own.

Cory Arsic, Founder, Canadian Parent

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Daily Reading Habits Build Lifelong Enthusiasm

I’ve noticed it really helps when you make reading a part of daily life from the get-go. Like, you could start with bedtime stories, and as kids grow, let ’em pick books that catch their eye, you know? It’s all about making reading time a special time – maybe create a cozy reading spot or have some quiet reading time together. 

Also, kids really look up to their parents, so if they see you enjoying a book, they might think, “Hey, that looks fun!” And hey, don’t forget the library trips. They’re a blast because kids get the thrill of choosing whatever they want, and it feels like a little adventure each time. Remember, the key is to keep it fun and not push too hard; let their love for reading bloom naturally.

Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Pork Chop Recipes

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Treat, Not Chore: How Reading Becomes Joy

Make reading feel like a treat, not a chore. Let kids pick what they want—even if it’s comics, joke books, or the same story for the tenth time. Read out loud with funny voices, turn it into a bedtime ritual, or make library trips feel like an adventure. The goal isn’t to raise a literary critic—it’s to help them fall in love with stories. Once they connect reading with joy, curiosity takes over from there.

Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose

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Reading Picnics Beat Sticker Charts

I discovered that turning reading into a fun family activity made a huge difference with my kids. We started having ‘reading picnics’ where we’d spread out blankets in the backyard, grab some snacks, and everyone would read their own books while sharing interesting parts with each other. While rewards can work, I found that making reading feel special and social, rather than a chore, created genuine excitement that lasted longer than any sticker chart system we tried.

Justin Herring, Founder and CEO, YEAH! Local

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Consistent Reading Experiences Build Lifelong Readers

Research shows that children develop a love for reading most easily when parents create positive and consistent reading experiences at home. Practical experience supports this kids are more likely to enjoy books if they see reading as a fun part of daily life rather than a chore. For example, parents who read aloud with their children during bedtime routines often notice that their kids begin to ask for stories on their own. This early habit not only encourages language skills but also builds emotional connection, which helps children associate reading with comfort and joy. Children go through different stages of development that affect how they respond to books. Young toddlers may prefer picture books with bright colors and simple stories, while older kids enjoy more complex plots and characters. If parents match reading materials to their child’s current interests and abilities, the child is more likely to stay engaged. For instance, a preschooler fascinated by animals will likely pay more attention to a story about a zoo than one about numbers. On the other hand, forcing a child to read something too advanced can make reading feel frustrating. Parents who adapt their approach as their child grows help build confidence and a lifelong interest in reading. In everyday situations, parents can encourage reading without screens or pressure. Reading aloud during car rides, discussing stories during mealtimes, or visiting libraries on weekends create natural moments for books. For example, a parent who talks about a character’s choices after reading a story helps the child think critically while strengthening language skills. Travel also offers rich opportunities exploring new places exposes children to different languages and cultures, sparking curiosity that can be deepened through books. These experiences show children that stories connect to the real world, making reading more meaningful. What this means for parents is that fostering a love for reading starts with simple, consistent habits and a flexible attitude. Encourage your child with books that match their stage and interests. Use everyday moments to share stories and make reading a shared adventure rather than a task. As your child grows, continue to explore new topics and formats whether it’s travel stories, picture books, or chapter books to keep their curiosity alive. Over time, these small but steady habits build strong reading skills and a positive attitude toward learning.

Mona Hovaizi, Founder & CEO, Gaux

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Special Reading Corners Transform Family Traditions

Just like I design comfortable spaces for homes, I created a special reading corner for my kids with soft cushions, good lighting, and accessible bookshelves, which transformed their attitude toward reading. When they saw me enjoying my own books there during weekend afternoons, they naturally started joining me, making it our special family tradition.

Pablo Cavalcante, Owner, Legacy Countertops

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Reading Forts Create Special Evening Rituals

As a doctor who reads bedtime stories to my own kids, I’ve noticed how creating a ‘reading fort’ with cozy pillows and warm lighting gets them excited about book time – it’s become our special evening ritual that helps them wind down mentally. I recommend starting with just 15 minutes of reading together before bed, as I’ve seen this routine not only improve my children’s vocabulary but also strengthen our emotional bonds through shared stories.

Dr. Edward Espinosa, Owner, OptumMD

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Turn Reading Into Emotional Adventure Doorways

I turned reading into a bonding ritual. Every night, I’d invent wild bedtime stories where my kids were treasure hunters or secret agents. Eventually, they started asking for books that reminded them of those adventures and wanted to read them on their own.

My advice: build an emotional connection around storytelling. When children see reading as a doorway to joy, imagination, or even comfort, they’re drawn in. Tailor the stories to their world. That personal link makes books feel alive, not like an assignment. Once the spark is lit, they’ll reach for pages on their own.

David Struogano, Managing Director and Mold Remediation Expert, Mold Removal Port St. Lucie

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Respect Book Choices, Spark Reading Interest

In my experience teaching internationally, I’ve found that letting kids choose their own books, even if they’re comic books or magazines, sparks genuine interest – I had a student who went from hating reading to devouring manga series because we respected his choices. I recommend creating a cozy reading nook at home and spending at least 15 minutes each day reading alongside your child, showing them that reading is a valued activity in your family.

David Cornado, Partner, French Teachers Association of Hong Kong

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Celebrate All Reading, Not Just ‘Proper’ Literature

Through my experience with tutoring centers, I’ve seen how letting kids choose their own books, even if they’re not ‘traditional’ choices like comic books or magazines, can ignite a genuine love for reading. I remember one struggling reader who blossomed after we encouraged him to read Pokemon manga, which eventually led him to explore other genres on his own. Instead of forcing ‘proper’ literature, I believe we should celebrate any reading that gets kids excited and engaged, as this natural enthusiasm often leads to broader reading interests.

Sandro Kratz, Founder, Tutorbase

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Choice and Tracking Boost Reading Motivation

At Cognito, we’ve found that letting kids choose their own books and mixing traditional reading with interactive digital stories keeps them genuinely engaged – I still remember how my reluctant reader nephew got hooked on reading through a combination of physical books and educational apps. I suggest using reading tracker apps or simple star charts to celebrate reading milestones, as our platform data shows that small rewards and visual progress tracking can boost reading motivation by nearly 40%.

Jono Ellis, Chief Product Officer, Cognito Education

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