Secrets To Raising A Reader

Love for books doesn't always happen at first sight. This is why it's very important for parents to get their kids interested in reading as early as possible. In his book Raising a Reader, author Paul Kropp says children need their parent's help to become a reader for life. "Without you, your child is unlikely to develop the attitudes that make reading easy and fun," Kropp stresses. Mastering the skill isn't your only reward. "Over the years, children will have good memories to treasure," a US Department of Education research says. "Parents are in a unique position to help children enjoy reading and see the value of it."

But finding the time for parent-child reading is equally crucial. Doing so, after all, seems like a tough task for parents who face the demands of career and family life. But experts say it can be done-and on a daily basis no less. These four tips will help you get going:

The earlier you start the better. Even infants can benefit from early exposure to reading. At just a few months, babies can recognize pictures, listen to voices, and point to objects. As your babies get older, they will eventually get accustomed to the rhythm and melody of language. Once your kids reach this level of awareness, learning how to read will be a picnic.

Make reading with your kids a daily habit. Motivate your kids and have them associate reading to fun. Great, meaningful stories are the best tools to advertise reading. Ma. Teresa Cancio Suplico's Olivia, the Octopus Princess* , for example, isn't only a colorful, imaginative children's story book, it also teaches values like true courage and friendship. Ideally, 15-30 minutes of reading is enough. "Your commitment should be for everyday so that the books you read will have some continuity," explains Kropp. "Reading time should become a habit for you, something that is expected by your child, an activity you both can anticipate with pleasure. Cuddling, talking, joking, asking and answering questions will make your reading time doubly enjoyable and enriching."

Regularly buy books for your child and yourself. There's something affirming about having books of one's own. Kropp says "most readers come from families with a wide assortment of books, magazines and newspapers around the house." a "print-rich" environment, he adds, highlights one true fact: Books are worth-reading. Owning books also leads to repetitive reading which promotes your kids reading skills. If money is a consideration, try to find alternative sources for good books. Letting your child choose which book to buy empowers him. Be supportive as much as you can.

Don't let television interfere with your kids' reading sked. Various studies say too much television stunts the intellectual development of children. Monitor your kids' viewing habits daily. Let your kids know that you've set up rules on TV watching so the gains they get from their regular reading time will not be wasted. "You have to stand up in the midst of all that [your kids' insistence to watch TV] and say no," notes Kropp. "No, the TV won't be on after 9:30pm. No, there is more to life than another Schwarzenegger movie. By doing that, you'll make sure there's time for reading in your child's life."