Car trips, waiting in the doctor’s office, running errands and trips to the supermarket are all wonderful opportunities for reading. Keep magazines or books in your car or bag to take out whenever you know you could be waiting somewhere for a while. Even if there is only time for a few pages it’s still worthwhile! You should also encourage your child to bring books with them wherever they go. Other prime reading moments to take advantage of include:
- In the morning, before breakfast or getting dressed
- After dinner, kids will be relaxed
- Bath time (with waterproof books)
- Bedtime
There are reading opportunities wherever you go. Why not read signs aloud to your child as you’re driving, read cereal boxes while doing the groceries or have them read the items for you off a shopping list? While you’re cooking, have your child read the recipe out loud to you, ask older children to tell you how much flour you need to measure. Read emails together and get your child to read to you while you do house-work. Switch off the TV and let your child get stuck into a book instead.Most importantly, let your child see that you love reading too. Kids who see their parents reading are far more likely to develop an interest in books.
Read more: Family fun: Alternatives to TV
