Some children love to read books but for many, it never becomes a habit. This can be especially true in teenage years when children are developing into adulthood where they have so many distractions in their life. Helping your child to enjoy reading books could give them tremendous benefits:
In todays modern electronically-focussed world, it can also give them a way to switch off and relax. Smartphones and social media are still a relatively new phenomena and we still don't know the long-term implications that they will have on an individuals' development. Many studies link them to stress and anxiety with some children feeling compelled to look for on-line updates dozens or even hundreds of times a day. Reading a book is one way to add some balance to modern childrens' lives and reduce the social pressures that always-on social media can create.
With younger children, encouraging reading starts from stories at bedtime but how can they be encouraged to read by themselves when they outgrow being read to?
For some ideas to get you started, take a looks at our book recommendations or top books pages.
You can also go directly to a list of best selling Young Adult books on Amazon.co.uk by following the link below.
- It can help with their vocabulary and communication skills
- It can broaden their general knowledge
- It can help to improve their comprehention and critical thinking skills
In todays modern electronically-focussed world, it can also give them a way to switch off and relax. Smartphones and social media are still a relatively new phenomena and we still don't know the long-term implications that they will have on an individuals' development. Many studies link them to stress and anxiety with some children feeling compelled to look for on-line updates dozens or even hundreds of times a day. Reading a book is one way to add some balance to modern childrens' lives and reduce the social pressures that always-on social media can create.
With younger children, encouraging reading starts from stories at bedtime but how can they be encouraged to read by themselves when they outgrow being read to?
- Lead by example. Whether they like it or not, children will copy many of the behaviours of their parents well into adulthood. So if you are reading a book, don't always shut yourself away in your bedroom, let them see that you are reading (and enjoying) a book
- Buy them books as presents based on their interests. An autobiography by their footballing hero may not be your cup of tea but if it gets them reading then why not
- Create the right environment for reading. For example a comfortable quiet area in your house, or a time of the day or week when the television is off
- If you have read a particularly good book, give it to them to read
For some ideas to get you started, take a looks at our book recommendations or top books pages.
You can also go directly to a list of best selling Young Adult books on Amazon.co.uk by following the link below.