The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for parents of young children, it can also be a time of stress and sensory overload. How can you keep your kids entertained while still maintaining some semblance of normalcy and calm? One way is to encourage them to keep reading, and here are five ways to do just that.
1. Make time for reading every day.
No matter how busy your holiday schedule is, try to carve out at least 30 minutes each day for reading together. This quality time will send the message to your child that reading is important to you and should be important to them as well.
2. Visit the library.
Most libraries offer special holiday events like storytimes or visits from Santa. These can be great motivators for kids to pick up a book (or two!). Attend these events as a family and talk about them afterwards. Ask your child what their favourite part was or what they learned from the experience.
3. Encourage independent reading.
If your child is old enough, let them choose their own books to read during the holidays. This will not only give them a sense of ownership over their reading experience, but it will also help them develop critical thinking skills as they navigate their way through the countless options available to them. Guide them if they need help, but ultimately let them make their own choices.
4. Read aloud together.
Just because your kids are getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop reading together as a family! Gather everyone around and take turns reading aloud from a favourite holiday book or story. This is a great way to make memories and instil a love of reading in your children at the same time.
5. Make it fun!
Last but not least, don’t forget to have some fun with your holiday reading! Let your kids act out their favourite scenes, dress up like their favourite characters, or make holiday-themed crafts inspired by the stories you’ve read together. The more fun they have with it, the more likely they’ll be to want to keep doing it!
Yes, the holidays are a hectic time, there’s no doubt about that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still find time for some quality family bonding—and what better way to bond than by sharing a love of reading? By following these five tips, you can help your kids fall in love with reading and develop lasting memories in the process!
