Reading isn’t just a valuable life skill, it’s a window into imagination, empathy, and understanding the world. For parents, nurturing a love of reading in children can feel incredibly rewarding, but also a little daunting. With so many digital distractions competing for attention, how do you encourage kids to pick up a book and actually enjoy it? The good news is that there are plenty of creative, low-pressure ways to turn reading into something your child looks forward to.
- Curate Meaningful Reads
One of the best ways to support your child’s reading journey is by selecting a few books that carry important messages, spark thoughtful conversations, or help them connect with the world in a meaningful way. As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to shape their reading list with intention, by including books that reflect your family values, introduce social concepts, or highlight diverse voices.
These aren’t always the flashy titles kids grab off the shelf, but they’re often the ones that leave a lasting impact. For example, picture books about empathy or friendship can help young readers process their own feelings, while chapter books about historical figures or everyday heroes can plant seeds of curiosity and inspiration.
You might also explore thoughtfully chosen educational books that connect reading with real-life relevance. These titles often serve as springboards for deeper discussion and learning, making them ideal for parent-child read-alongs. Even just one or two guided reads per month can enrich your child’s reading habits with purpose and perspective.
- Let Them Choose Their Own Books Too
While parental guidance is important, so is giving your child the freedom to explore what they enjoy. When children have the autonomy to pick out their own books, they’re more likely to feel excited and empowered about reading. Letting them browse the shelves at the library or flip through options at a bookstore can make reading feel like a personal discovery, not a chore.
To help guide their choices, it’s useful to know what’s popular for their age group. For young readers ages 6 to 8, books like The Princess in Black, Fly Guy, and Narwhal and Jelly offer fun illustrations with simple text that builds confidence. For more advanced readers (ages 9 to 12), Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Wild Robot, and Wings of Fire are often instant hits. Young adult readers (13 and up) may gravitate toward titles like The Hunger Games, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, or They Both Die at the End, which explore more complex themes.
The key is balance, offer guidance, but let your child discover their preferences. Every time they fall in love with a story they choose themselves, their enthusiasm for reading grows.
- Follow Favorite Authors Online
In the digital age, authors aren’t just names on book covers; they often maintain websites, write blogs, and share updates with readers. Encouraging your child to follow their favorite authors online can add a whole new layer of engagement with reading. Author websites often include sneak peeks of upcoming books, printable activities, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes content that gives young readers a closer connection to the stories they love.
Many authors also offer newsletters with updates, Q&A sessions, or opportunities to join advance reader lists. Following these updates can make your child feel like they’re part of something special.
One exciting example is The Shadow of Phaedrus, an upcoming young adult fantasy novel launching in August 2025. Kids who enjoy magical worlds and mysterious adventures can follow the journey from now until the release, learning about the creative process along the way. When kids feel connected to the people behind the stories, they’re more invested in the act of reading itself.
- Expand the Definition: Comics and Manga Count Too
Some kids resist traditional chapter books, but light up at the sight of a graphic novel. And that’s not a problem; comics and manga are legitimate forms of reading that build literacy, comprehension, and focus. In fact, they can be the perfect gateway into longer-form storytelling, especially for visual learners or reluctant readers.
There’s an impressive range of age-appropriate comics available today. For ages 6 to 8, Dog Man, Owly, and Zita the Spacegirl are silly, sweet, and packed with big feelings in a few words. For 9 to 12-year-olds, Amulet, Hilo, and Cardboard Kingdom explore friendship, bravery, and creativity. Teens may enjoy manga like My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, or Orange, which often tackle deeper emotional themes while keeping readers hooked with serialized storytelling.
Manga and comics aren’t “lesser” reading, they encourage visual literacy, support sustained engagement, and often reflect real-world issues in a digestible format. Plus, many kids end up reading more because they’re so invested in long-running series. And that’s a win.
- Make Word Games Part of the Fun
Reading doesn’t always have to mean books. Word games are a fantastic way to develop language skills in a playful, low-pressure way. They help build vocabulary, improve spelling, and reinforce reading speed, all while kids are having fun.
Classic games like Scrabble, Boggle, and Bananagrams are great options for family game night. You can also look into crossword puzzles, hangman, or rhyming challenges for younger children. Digital games are welcome too; many of them are educational in disguise.
For screen time that supports literacy, try a digital word search. It’s a simple but engaging activity that strengthens visual scanning skills and sharpens word recognition. Word games also appeal to competitive kids who love a challenge. Just set a timer and see who can complete the puzzle first!
- Start a Family Newsletter
One of the most creative ways to boost your child’s reading and writing skills is by launching a family newsletter. It doesn’t have to be fancy; a monthly email or printed sheet that gets sent to relatives will do. Let your child take charge of one section, such as book reviews, updates on school projects, or a joke of the month.
This not only gives them a purpose for reading and writing but also reinforces the idea that their words have value. Knowing their newsletter will be read by grandparents, cousins, or family friends can be incredibly motivating.
- Journaling for All Ages
Journaling is another powerful tool to help kids grow into confident readers and writers. It’s also deeply personal, which means there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Younger children might start with drawing-based journals, while older kids can explore gratitude journaling, daily reflections, or story prompts.
The beauty of journaling is that it doesn’t feel like homework. There are no grades, deadlines, or expectations, just space to explore ideas and emotions. For children who struggle to articulate themselves verbally, journaling can be a safe outlet to process thoughts and feelings.
- Create a Reading Journal
A reading journal is a simple but motivating way to help children track their progress and reflect on the stories they’ve read. It can be as structured or free-form as you like. Some children enjoy filling out reading logs with star ratings, while others may want to write mini reviews, draw characters, or note their favorite quotes.
This kind of journaling turns reading into an active, memorable experience. It also helps kids build recall skills, organize their thoughts, and find patterns in the kinds of stories they enjoy most.
At the heart of all these tips is one thing: connection. Reading is something we model, share, and celebrate with our children. By weaving books and stories into everyday life, in playful, thoughtful, and supportive ways, you’re giving your child a gift that lasts far beyond childhood.
Whether it’s through shared stories, silly games, or quiet journaling moments, helping your child fall in love with reading is a journey worth taking ,together.