Raising a Reader: Tips to Boost Your Child’s Literacy

1 July 2025

Let’s face it—getting kids excited about reading in a world full of TikToks, iPads, and instant everything can feel like dragging a toddler past the candy aisle. But hey, that doesn’t mean you wave the white flag. Raising a reader is one of the most powerful gifts you can give your child—it opens doors, expands minds, and hey, long-term? It gives them the edge.

This isn’t about flashcards or drilling vocab words before bedtime like some academic boot camp. Nope. This is about breathing life into stories, making books as irresistible as screen time, and turning your kid into someone who wants to read, not someone who has to.

So if you’re ready to ignite that literary spark, grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy seat, and let’s dive into real, practical, no-fluff tips to boost your child’s literacy and raise a reader for life.

Why Raising a Reader Even Matters

You know what’s wild? Studies keep showing that early reading habits directly impact academic performance, emotional development, and even future career success.

But beyond the stats, reading:

- Builds empathy. (Books let kids walk in another’s shoes.)
- Boosts communication. (A rich vocabulary = strong verbal skills.)
- Fuels imagination. (Think of books as creativity on steroids.)

And yes, it strengthens the parent-child bond. Trust me, snuggling up with a good book beats zoning out in front of the TV, every single time.

Start Early—Like, Really Early

Seriously, don’t wait for your kid to start talking before you grab a book. Babies? They’re little sponges. Reading to them—even when you feel ridiculous doing voices for an infant—is laying the groundwork.

What Can You Read to a Baby?

- Board books with high contrast images
- Rhyming books (Think Dr. Seuss-level rhythm)
- Books with textures (because babies are tactile little explorers)

Even 5 minutes a day is valuable. You’re tuning their ears to language and letting them link reading with comfort and connection.

Make Reading a Daily Ritual

Kids thrive on routine. Brushing teeth? Check. PJs on? Check. Storytime? Don’t skip this one.

Set a consistent time each day—right before bed is golden. No matter how chaotic the day’s been, 10–15 minutes of quiet reading time can do wonders for your child’s literacy... and your sanity.

Need help staying consistent?

- Keep books in visible spots.
- Create a mini "reading nook" with pillows or fairy lights.
- Let them pick the book—it’s their moment.

Let Them Choose What They Want to Read

Say it louder for the parents in the back: It doesn’t matter what your kid reads, as long as they’re reading.

Graphic novels? Yup. Comic books? Absolutely. Joke books? Why not?

Don’t get too hung up on literary merit. Reading is reading. And giving your child the autonomy to choose makes them feel in control, which ups their engagement tenfold.

Pro Tip:

Even if your kid wants to read the same book 47 times, let them. Repetition is actually good for vocabulary and comprehension.

Read in Front of Them—Lead by Example

You want your child to value books? Show them that you do.

Kids model what they see. So if you’re always scrolling Instagram or glued to Netflix, you’re unintentionally sending the message that screens > books.

Try this instead:

- Read the paper with your morning coffee
- Keep a book (not just your phone) by your bedside
- Share what you’re reading with your kids—even if it’s just a “Guess what I read today?”

Normalize reading. Make it part of the family culture.

Talk About Books Like They’re Magic

Because isn’t that what they are?

Books are portals to other worlds, time machines, empathy builders. Help your kids see that.

Ask open-ended questions like:

- “What would you have done in that situation?”
- “Which character do you relate to the most?”
- “Was there a part that surprised you?”

You’re not testing comprehension here. You’re showing your child that reading is more than decoding words—it's about experiencing stories.

Use Technology—But Make It Work For You

Let’s not pretend screens don’t exist. Instead, let’s make peace with them and use them smartly.

Audiobooks, reading apps, and kid-safe e-readers can be great tools to boost literacy, especially for reluctant readers or those with learning differences.

Some tech tools worth trying:

- Epic! – Massive library of kids’ books
- Audible for Kids – Great for road trips and bedtime
- Libby – Free library eBooks and audiobooks

Just don’t let tech replace actual parent-kid reading time. Balance is everything.

Turn Reading Into an Adventure

Kids don’t want boring. They want fun, excitement, interaction.

So yes, get dramatic.

- Use funny voices.
- Add sound effects.
- Let them act out parts.

Want to level it up?

- Have a themed dinner based on their book. (Green Eggs and Ham, anyone?)
- Go on a scavenger hunt for book characters in the library.
- Create a homemade book together.

Make reading a multi-sensory experience and they’ll start associating books with joy, not chores.

Celebrate Progress—Not Perfection

Every child reads at their own pace. Some are decoding words at four, others closer to eight. Don’t stress the timeline. Stress the love.

Celebrate the little wins:

- Finished a chapter book? High five!
- Read aloud without help? Woohoo!
- Learned a new word? Do a silly dance!

There’s no shame in slow progress. The real goal is creating a lifelong reader—not a first-grade speed reader who ditches books in middle school.

Surround Them With Books—Everywhere

Want to raise a reader? Build a world where books are always within reach.

Some quick tricks:

- Fill baskets with books in every room
- Keep a stash in the car
- Give books as gifts (Birthdays? Yes. Easter baskets? Sure. Lost another tooth? Why not.)

Make books feel as accessible and immediate as snacks—and you’re halfway there.

Get Cozy With Your Local Library

Libraries are like playgrounds for the mind—and they’re free!

Take advantage:

- Attend storytime events
- Let your kid get their own library card (huge deal, trust me)
- Join summer reading challenges

Libraries also introduce variety, which keeps the reading habit fresh and exciting.

BONUS: You don’t have to spend a dime on every book obsession your child goes through.

Don’t Push—Encourage

No one wants to feel forced. If you’re constantly nagging your child to read, they’ll start associating it with pressure, not pleasure.

Instead of “Go read for 20 minutes,” try:

- “You have to tell me what happens next in that story!”
- “Let’s read together while we have our snack.”
- “Pick a book for us to read tonight.”

Less policing. More partnering.

Read Out Loud—Even When They Can Read Themselves

Just because your kid can read doesn’t mean they don’t want to be read to.

Shared reading builds fluency, boosts vocabulary, and most importantly, strengthens your bond.

Choose longer chapter books and take turns reading aloud. Or go full drama mode—you read, they listen. It’s the golden hour of parenting connection.

Final Word: Keep It Real

Raising a reader doesn’t mean your home turns into a Nicholas Sparks book club overnight. There will be days your kid can’t get enough... and days they’d rather chew on the book than read it.

That’s normal.

Consistency > Perfection.

Just keep reading with them. Keep books around. Keep it joyful. You’re not just helping them decode letters—you’re helping them decode life.