4 Bad Reasons Why Parents Don't Read to Kids

  1. Kid is too young or too old, or already knows how to read.
  2. Too busy.
  3. Don't have enough money for books.
  4. Don't think it is important.

and 3½ Good Reasons

  1. Parent can't read.
  2. Don't know how to make reading fun.
  3. Don't have any fun books to read.
  4. 3½. There is no good reason not to read to your kids — see below...

Why read to babies?

Babies need to hear talk. Don't know what to say to your baby without sounding stupid? Pick up a book and start your tiny one on the path to reading. Snuggle up while you read.

Why read to readers?

You want your kids to do well in life? What is more fun, having dad read, or having dad test you on a list of vocabulary words? Books help kids learn the vocabulary to succeed. Books prompt questions and discussion — with any luck you'll never need to have The Talk. What kid doesn't want a parent's attention? See below on making reading fun...

Do I have time to read?

Do you have time not to? You only need 10-15 minutes a day. Kids thrive on parent attention. Snuggle up and read with your kid — get them ready for sleep, have a special moment each day, help your kid grow into reading.

Why read to kids?

"Reading aloud to children has been called the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for success in reading." From A Child Becomes a Reader

Reading help for parents?

Organizations which help parents become readers and grow their kids into readers:

How do I make reading fun?

3½ ways to find books kids love

  1. Take your kid to a bookstore and observe their interests
  2. Ask a librarian
  3. Ask your kid's teacher
  4. 3½. Get advice on choosing great books or shop for fun books for kids.