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How to Get Your Teenagers to Become Lifelong Readers
Special to The Truth
In today’s age of
technology, it’s easy for teens to reject books in favor of
gadgets. As these emerging technologies become increasingly
important in society, parents should reinforce the
educational and entertainment benefits of reading.
Here are a few tips for
encouraging your children to love the written word.
Treat Reading Like a Privilege
If your kids believe that
reading is a chore, they’ll stop as soon as your influence
over them begins to wane or they are no longer required to
read for school. Instead, show them that reading is a source
of fun.
In order to do this,
position reading as a “reward.” When they get good grades,
take them to the bookstore. When they finish their homework
in the evening, give teens “reading privileges,” as you may
be inclined to do with electronic sources of media.
Offer Compelling Literature
One of the most important
things you can do is make sure that your kids have positive
early experiences with books. This will shape their opinions
of reading for the rest of their lives. Beyond school
assignments, be sure your teens are reading compelling
literature for fun.
The best way to do this is
to give them books that you know they’ll enjoy -- that way,
they’ll always be either reading or anticipating their next
read. Serial literature can be a great way to accomplish the
goal of keeping kids interested.
One great example is
“Hollow City,” the second novel in the “Miss Peregrine’s
Home for Peculiar Children” series, a unique combination of
fantasy and haunting vintage photography. And since that
first book is in the process of being adapted into a movie,
kids awaiting its release can read “Hollow City” in the
meantime.
Model Good Reading Behavior
Let your kids see you
reading. If they know that you like to read, then they’ll
imitate your behavior. Teens may not always act like it, but
they do look up to you.
Don’t replace reading with
interacting with your teens; instead, read at a time when
they are already engaging in independent activities.
Start your own little
household book club. During dinner or another portion of the
day spent together, discuss what you both are reading and
what you like about the books. Make recommendations and swap
great books.
So when your kids are
staring at their screens, remember that this generation can
find just as much joy in books as you did when you were
younger. All you need to do is give the extra push.
Courtesy StatePoint
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