One of the most difficult roles of parents is teaching their children how to read. For most parents this may not seem to be a problem. But there are just special cases when the child refuses to pick up a pen and write or even read. This is because they have not developed an interest for reading books. So what must you do as a parent to solve this problem?
Children are inspired with what they see their parents are doing. If your child sees you watching TV or surfing the internet most of the time, that’s what he’ll end up doing too as he grows up. If you want your child to love reading, drop what you are doing and pick up a book instead, and then make it a habit for the both of you to read together.
When your child has started to develop a love for books, don’t get ahead and build a library for him in his room. This will only creep him out and lose his interest. Be patient and let the booklover in him develop over time. Just let him read for a while what is available for him in your house. If you think he’s read everything, that’s the time to buy him a new set of reading material.
Have your child understand that there is a big difference between learning from reading and reading for the sake of pleasure. It will be confusing for a child if different types of books are placed in the same section in your bookshelf. Make sure you don’t pile school textbooks and comic books together.
Help your child develop his critical thinking by asking him questions or by letting him do the asking at the end of every reading session. Always ask what he thinks about a story or certain information you have just read. This is better instead of giving him the answers right away.
After reading a good story, don’t forget to tell your children that the greatest lesson they can learn from reading any kind of good literature is the lesson of enjoying life. Nothing can arouse the interest of children in reading than telling them that reading is not boring at all. In fact, a funny story never fails to bring to you into laughter!
Check out more of this writer’s advice on subjects like the twin futon mattress and shower hook.
September 2, 2010 by Miriam Whiting