Latest / 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids. / Practical Ways to Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading

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Practical Ways to Help Kids Fall in Love with Reading · 5–Minute Parenting: Tips to Help You Raise Competent, Godly Kids.

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to another episode of the Five Minute Parenting Podcast.
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Karen Ferguson, wife, mom, grandmom, and children's book author with a background in K-8 education and a passion for equipping parents to raise confident and God-confident kids.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: In this podcast, we'll cover parenting practices from both a practical view and a biblical view.
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: Our goal is to help you raise kids with a positive, godly self-image so they can become all they were created to be.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: I know you're busy, so we'll keep it short.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: Let's take just five minutes and dive in.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: Do you have a reluctant reader in your home?
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: As an avid reader myself, for as long as I can remember, I've never quite understood why some people don't like to read much.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: But I know God created each of us differently and we all have unique talents and interests.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_00: But when it comes to our kids, helping them fall in love with reading will help them find greater confidence and success in their school years and in future work years.
• 1:03
  SPEAKER_00: It's also linked to important benefits that promote overall well-being.
• 1:08
  SPEAKER_00: Things like improved brain health, enhanced memory, increased vocabulary and stress reduction.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: It helps boost empathy, boosts knowledge, and improves communication skills.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: And it's linked to better sleep and even increased life expectancy.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: So if you have a reluctant reader at home, I encourage you to not give up.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: Here are a few ideas and things to keep in mind to help your kiddos enjoy reading more.
• 1:35
  SPEAKER_00: Begin early.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: It's never too early to start to read to and with your children.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: Start when they're babies and make it a habit through their school years.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_00: And remember, it's also never too late to start either.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: Lead by example.
• 1:50
  SPEAKER_00: Let your children see you read.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: And not just on social media.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: Talk to them about the books you're reading when appropriate.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: Give your kids a choice.
• 2:00
  SPEAKER_00: Let them choose topics they're interested in and help them pick books suitable to their reading level.
• 2:05
  SPEAKER_00: Not too easy or they'll get bored and not too hard or they may get frustrated.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: One of my favorites, visit libraries and bookstores a lot.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_00: And make the visit fun.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: If they're not a big fan at first, pair it with an activity they really enjoy or end the outing with ice cream.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, that can't hurt, right?
• 2:25
  SPEAKER_00: It can only help.
• 2:26
  SPEAKER_00: And then meet your child's individual needs.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: If your child prefers moving to reading, as many kids do, find ways to make literacy fun with outdoor activities.
• 2:36
  SPEAKER_00: I'll have a link in the show notes to a helpful article on this one.
• 2:40
  SPEAKER_00: If your child has a short attention span when it comes to reading, it's okay.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: Opt in for short books like jokebooks, comic books, and colorful picture books, no matter their age.
• 2:51
  SPEAKER_00: If your child is an auditory learner, listen to audiobooks together and fill your home with wholesome options for them to listen to on their own.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: One last thing to keep in mind.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_00: It's important to read often with your young children.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: You'll help them build skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: But also be sure to read Christian picture books that grow their understanding of God and His Word.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: You'll invest in their eternity.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: You know, Christian picture books are a powerful discipleship tool.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: They teach biblical truths in a creative way.
• 3:25
  SPEAKER_00: They relate the Bible to your child's everyday life.
• 3:28
  SPEAKER_00: They make learning about the Bible a normal part of your family's life.
• 3:33
  SPEAKER_00: Colorful illustrations draw readers into the story.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: And these books teach Christian values in a non-preachy way.
• 3:41
  SPEAKER_00: Very important as we're trying to raise our kids in the Lord.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: So if you're looking for a series to add to your library, I of course have to recommend my children's picture book series, Questions for Kids.
• 3:54
  SPEAKER_00: This series is meant to grow with young readers spiritually and in their reading skills.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_00: Kids will learn important biblical truths right alongside important life lessons and principles that'll grow their faith and character.
• 4:07
  SPEAKER_00: I'll have links to the books and to other reading resources in the show notes, so be sure to check that out.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: But I just want to encourage you, keep going, parents and grandparents.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_00: Don't give up.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_00: Some kids just take a little bit longer to warm up to reading.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_00: Keep making it a priority in your home.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: And you never know, your reluctant reader just might grow up to be a big fan and a lifelong reader.
• 4:31
  SPEAKER_00: Well, that's it for today.
• 4:33
  SPEAKER_00: Be sure to come back next week for another episode of Five Minute Parenting.
• 4:38
  SPEAKER_00: Have a blessed week.