How Can I Make Reading Fun for My Child? 10 Easy Tips Every Parent Should Try

Looking for ways to help your child enjoy reading? Studies show that kids who read for pleasure are more likely to excel in school, develop emotional intelligence, and grow into lifelong learners. According to Scholastic’s The Power of Reading Choice, fostering a love of books isn’t just about improving academic skills—it’s about building curiosity, empathy, and confidence.

As parents, we know that encouraging reading can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with distractions like screen time. But here’s the good news: making reading fun doesn’t have to be hard. With a few simple strategies, you can transform reading from a chore into a cherished activity your kids look forward to every day.

In this article, we’ll cover:
• Why giving your child a choice in books is a game-changer for building reading habits.
• Practical tips for creating a cozy and inviting reading space at home.
• Fun and creative ways to make reading interactive, like involving toys or family reading time.
• Quick solutions for busy moms, including the use of audiobooks and seasonal themes.

By the end, you’ll have actionable ideas to help your child read more and love every moment of it. Whether they’re just starting out or already exploring chapter books, these tips are designed to make reading an exciting part of their routine.
Let’s get started and inspire your child to become a confident, happy reader!

1. Let Them Choose Their Own Books

One of the best ways to get your child excited about reading is to let them pick their own books. Whether it’s a comic, a fairy tale, or a book full of fun facts, giving kids the freedom to choose what they read transforms reading into an exciting adventure rather than a chore. This autonomy helps them feel more engaged and motivated, building a positive relationship with books that can last a lifetime.

Research from Scholastic’s The Power of Reading Choice highlights that when kids select their own reading material, they are more likely to enjoy the process and stick with it. By embracing their interests—even if it’s a book filled with silly jokes or colorful pictures—you’re empowering them to explore stories that truly resonate with them.

How to Get Started
• Visit the library or bookstore together: Let your child explore different sections and pick what catches their eye.
• Offer variety at home: Keep a mix of genres and formats, such as picture books, comics, or beginner chapter books, so they always have exciting options.
• Avoid “steering”: Resist the urge to guide them toward educational titles. The goal is to make reading feel fun and personal.

Giving your child the freedom to choose their books not only boosts their motivation but also makes reading a habit they’ll look forward to. So, take a step back, let them explore, and watch their love for stories grow. Visit your local bookstore or try a subscription box like Bookroo, which delivers exciting, age-appropriate books your child will love.

2. Create a Cozy Reading Space

A cozy reading nook can make a world of difference when it comes to encouraging kids to pick up a book. Children are naturally drawn to spaces that feel special and safe, and when their environment is comfortable, they’re more likely to relax and enjoy reading. A well-designed nook eliminates distractions and helps kids associate books with calm and joy. Over time, it can transform reading from a task into something they look forward to every day.

How to Get Started

1. Pick the Right Spot: Choose a quiet corner of your home, away from distractions like the TV or noisy appliances.
2. Add Comfort: Use soft pillows , bean bags, or a cozy rug. A small blanket or a favorite stuffed animal can make the space even more inviting.
3. Keep It Simple: Avoid clutter and distractions, but keep a small shelf or bin with books close by for easy access.
4. Make It Personal: Let your child decorate with their favorite posters, toys, or colors. This makes the nook feel like it truly belongs to them.
5. Optional Extras: Add a small tent or canopy for privacy and a sense of adventure, or let them string up fairy lights for a magical touch.

A cozy reading nook doesn’t just make books accessible—it creates a positive reading experience that your child will want to return to again and again. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn any small space into their favorite place to unwind with a good story.

3. Make Reading Interactive and Social

Reading doesn’t have to be something kids do alone—it can be a fun, interactive experience that sparks their imagination. When reading feels like a shared adventure, it becomes something your child looks forward to. Whether they’re reading to a favorite stuffed animal, acting out a scene, or sharing stories with the family, making it social helps build positive associations with books and keeps them engaged.

How to Get Started

1. Read to a Buddy: Let your child “read” to their favorite stuffed animal, doll, or action figure. A cuddly toy like this teddy bear can make storytime even more special.
2. Family Storytime: Pick a time each week for everyone to read together. Take turns reading aloud or act out scenes—props like storybook puppets can make this extra fun!
3. Start a Mini Book Club: If your child has siblings or friends, invite them to share their favorite stories. A small journal can be a great way to jot down thoughts or draw favorite characters.

When reading is interactive, it’s not just about books—it’s about having fun and making memories together. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a weekend activity, these simple ideas will keep your child excited about reading.

4. Keep Books Visible and Accessible

Out of sight, out of mind—it’s true for books too! Kids are more likely to pick up a book when it’s easy to see and reach. Keeping books visible and accessible helps integrate reading into your child’s daily routine. When they can spot their favorite titles or discover new ones without needing help, it encourages independence and curiosity, making books a natural part of their world.

How to Get Started

1. Create a Book Basket: Place a small basket filled with a variety of books in high-traffic areas like the living room or their bedroom. Rotate the selection every couple of weeks to keep it fresh. A colorful fabric book bin works perfectly for this.
2. Use Low Shelves: Invest in child-friendly, rack storage bookshelf where your child can easily see the book covers. Display-style organization, like this rotating book display shelf, invites them to grab a book on their own.
3. Keep Books in Unexpected Places: Add a few books to the car, by the dining table, or near their play area. These little surprises can encourage spontaneous reading.

Making books visible and easy to reach is a simple way to encourage your child to read more often. When books become part of their everyday environment, they naturally turn to them for entertainment and discovery.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Let’s face it, screens are a big part of our kids’ lives these days. But instead of battling against technology, why not make it work for you? Apps, e-readers, and audiobooks can be game-changers for parents trying to keep their kids interested in reading. These tools let your child explore stories in fun, new ways—whether they’re listening to a bedtime story or flipping through a digital picture book. It’s not about replacing traditional reading but giving them another way to fall in love with books.

How to Get Started

1. Listen to Audiobooks: Whether you’re driving to soccer practice or winding down before bed, audiobooks are a lifesaver. A platform like Audible Kids has tons of kid-friendly options, from classics to fun adventures.
2. Try a Reading App: Apps like Epic! Books for Kids let kids explore thousands of stories. Some even have read-aloud features, so you don’t have to feel guilty about handing over your phone.
3. Get an E-Reader: If your child loves gadgets, a Kindle Kids Edition might be the perfect way to keep them reading. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and packed with features like built-in dictionaries for curious little minds.

Technology can make reading feel fresh and exciting, especially for kids who might be reluctant readers. Plus, it’s a great way to keep books in their lives even on your busiest days.

6. Celebrate Reading Milestones

Kids thrive on positive reinforcement, and celebrating their reading milestones can make them feel proud and excited to keep going. Whether it’s finishing their first chapter book, reading every night for a week, or simply exploring a new genre, small achievements deserve to be acknowledged. These celebrations help build confidence and turn reading into something your child looks forward to.

How to Get Started

1. Use a Sticker Chart: Create a simple chart where your child earns a sticker for every book they finish or reading goal they achieve. Watching the chart fill up with stickers can be so motivating and fun! Once they reach a set number of stickers, reward them with something special—maybe a fun outing, extra screen time, or their favorite snack.
   The reward doesn’t have to be big; it’s all about celebrating their progress in a way that feels exciting and personal to them.
2. Plan a “Book Date”: Head to the library or bookstore together to celebrate their reading progress. Let them pick out a new book they’re excited about—it’s such a simple way to make them feel proud and in control of their reading journey.
   And why not make the outing even more special? After choosing their book, stop for some ice cream. Sitting together and enjoying a treat is a sweet way to end the day and make the whole experience even more memorable.
3. Make Reading Social: Share their achievements with family or friends. For example, let your child “present” their favorite book to the family or share a story with a grandparent over the phone.

Celebrating milestones shows your child that their efforts matter and creates a sense of accomplishment around reading. Over time, these little celebrations can encourage a lifelong love for books.

7. Add a Magical Touch with Lights

Adding soft lighting to a reading nook can make the space feel magical and inviting for kids. A warm glow creates a cozy, enchanting atmosphere that helps them relax and focus on their stories. Lights not only set a calming mood but also make reading feel like a fun adventure, turning it into an activity they look forward to.

How to Get Started

1. String Fairy Lights: Wrap fairy lights around a tent, canopy, or drape them across a reading corner to create a magical, cozy feel.
2. Clip-On Lamps: A simple clip-on reading lamp is perfect for bedtime stories or when your child wants extra lighting in their nook.
3. Fun-Shaped Night Lights: Add a moon- or star-shaped night light for a whimsical glow that makes the space extra special.

Even small touches like lighting can transform a reading space into a place your child loves to be. When their nook feels warm and magical, it builds a sense of excitement and joy around books, encouraging them to spend more time reading.

8. Make Reading Part of Their Routine

I’ve learned that building a habit is all about consistency, and reading is no different. When reading becomes a natural part of your child’s daily routine, it feels less like a task and more like something they look forward to. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet moment after school, making time for books helps create a comforting and enjoyable habit that sticks.

How to Get Started

1. Bedtime Story Tradition: End the day with a story—it’s a calming way to wind down and bond. Let them pick the book, even if it’s short, to keep it fun and engaging.
2. Quiet Reading Breaks: Add 10–15 minutes of quiet reading after school or before breakfast. It’s a small step that makes a big difference over time.
3. Weekend Family Reading Hour: Set aside time on weekends for the whole family to read together. You can each share a little about your book to make it social and interactive.

Reading doesn’t have to be a big production—it’s the little, consistent moments that count. Over time, these daily habits will turn into a love for books that lasts a lifetime.

9. Explore Seasonal and Holiday-Themed Books

Kids love celebrating special occasions, and tying books to the seasons or holidays makes reading feel fresh and exciting. Whether it’s spooky stories for Halloween, cheerful tales during Christmas, or fun nature books in the spring, seasonal themes bring stories to life. It’s a simple way to keep reading fun and relevant all year long.

How to Get Started

1. Create a Seasonal Book Basket: Rotate a small selection of books to match the current season or upcoming holiday. For example, add Halloween-themed books in October or snow-filled stories in winter.
2. Tie Books to Activities: Pair a book with a holiday craft or activity. For example, read a story about snowmen and then build one together, or enjoy a nature-themed book before a springtime walk.
3. Make It a Family Tradition: Start a holiday reading tradition, like reading a Thanksgiving story during dinner or opening a Christmas book each night in December.

Seasonal books bring a sense of novelty to reading, keeping your child curious and engaged. Plus, they’re a great way to build excitement around upcoming events while making books a memorable part of the celebration.

10. Mix Reading with Movement

Toddlers and younger kids are full of energy, and sitting still for long periods isn’t always their thing. Combining reading with movement helps make the experience more engaging and fun while still fostering a love for books. This playful approach keeps little ones interested while building positive associations with reading time.

How to Get Started

1. Act Out the Story: Choose books with actions or animals and encourage your child to mimic what’s happening. For example, if the book talks about hopping like a bunny, hop together!
2. Interactive Props: Use simple toys or objects related to the story, like a toy car for a book about vehicles or a stuffed animal for an animal tale. Let them “drive” the car or play along as you read.
3. Story Walks: Pair reading with a short walk. Bring a book about nature or animals, and look for things mentioned in the story, like trees, birds, or flowers.

Combining reading with movement keeps toddlers engaged while making the experience active and fun. It’s a great way to help energetic little ones stay connected with books in a way that feels natural to them.

Helping your child develop a love for reading doesn’t have to be stressful. By creating cozy spaces and giving them the freedom to explore stories they enjoy, you can turn reading into a fun adventure they’ll look forward to every day. These small, simple strategies fit easily into busy routines and help build meaningful moments that nurture their love for books.

Try one of these tips this week and see how your child responds. You might just find their new favorite way to enjoy books!