How do I teach my child to build a reading habit?

FnAQ: How do I get my 10 year old to read? I've got a lot of books for her, she just doesn't read. I want her to get into the habit of reading.

Short answer: Children consistently imitate what they see. Model the habit you want your child to build.

Long answer: The ideal time to nurture a love for reading is much earlier than most parents imagine, as early as when your child can sit comfortably in your lap. That's when guided reading can begin. Guided reading is beautifully simple. Sit your child on your lap, open a book together, and read aloud. 

The next best time is the moment you realize your child isn't reading, but you'd like them to. From your question, I don't know whether you're a reader yourself or whether your daughter regularly sees you reading. Without making any assumptions, I'd encourage you to create a simple reading ritual.

Start by reading to her for just ten minutes every day. Bedtime is one of the best moments for this. Children of that age often love drifting off to the comforting sound of a familiar voice. Just as music can soothe the nervous system, a story read by someone they feel safe with creates a beautiful emotional association with books.

Another opportunity, if it fits your family's routine, is during mealtimes. While your child enjoys their meal, you can read a chapter or a short story aloud. It turns an everyday routine into a shared experience around books. 

Once reading together becomes a consistent part of your routine, you can gradually introduce a family reading time where both of you sit with your own books. Over time, what begins as a shared ritual often grows into independent reading because the habit has already been built.

Children rarely fall in love with books because they are told to read. They fall in love with books because reading becomes connected with warmth, safety, curiosity, and connection.

Hope this helps! 

Lots of love!