I think the worst thing that happens is if books become a chore for children and it’s like, “eat your vegetables.” I think that parents have to be honest. Children are modeling what their parents do. So, if their parents don’t read, and they don’t have books in the house, and they sit in front of the TV all day, they can’t really expect that much from their children.
I think a big thing for me was that I grew up in a family that always valued books. And they weren’t really taught. They were just around and we all read. It was just something we did. And that sort of what the atmosphere is in my family, as well.
I know it’s hard for some kids that are dyslexic, or if they have reading disabilities. Reading doesn’t come that easily to all kids, and you can’t expect that all kids are going to be huge readers. But I think every human loves stories. And so if they’re not reading, tell stories to them. Tell classic stories. Do it orally. Reading time with your kids is a really important thing. Sit down with your kid and read to them.
