Everyone knows how important it is. reading in children and in lifeBut sometimes we adults forget that reading should be a central part of our daily lives, not only to nourish our brains and enhance all our abilities, but also to cultivate our souls. From childhood, we should see reading as a moment of pleasure and leisure that fosters our enjoyment and delight in the written word.
However, It is not always possible to get children to associate reading with enjoymentOften, children (and adults) feel that reading is torture, an obligation, and if they can avoid it, they will do so without hesitation. This happens because, from a young age, reading has been instilled in children as something obligatory, competitive, and often without respecting their natural pace and developmental stage for when they should begin to read.
Reading is a natural process for children that begins with... curiosity to know more about the lettersIf we nurture this curiosity, we can raise children who love reading, eager to learn more and nourish their souls with stories and knowledge. That's why it's essential to encourage children's love of reading from a young age, fostering curiosity and interest, because only with motivation will they discover the benefits of reading and enjoy them throughout their lives.
Enhance the interests of the child
To make a child feel curious and interested in reading It is essential that you can choose what you want to read.Children need to be able to choose books that truly interest them, motivate them, and bring them satisfaction upon finishing. From a young age, children should have books in their library. books appropriate to their developmental level and also to their personal tastesIn this way, they will feel the need to approach, pick up a book, and enjoy the written words.
In addition to having variety, Respect for the child's interests is key. Regardless of their nature (as long as they are appropriate for their developmental level. For example, a 6-year-old won't understand an expert-level science book, but if they enjoy science, they can have age-appropriate science books to better grasp the concepts). The adult's role is to adjust the difficulty, not to censor the subject matter whenever it's appropriate.
It doesn't matter if a boy likes princess books or if your daughter is interested in car books.It is necessary for parents to respect their children's tastes so that they are the ones in control of their interests. When children are allowed to choose, in addition to being motivated to read, They are building their personal identity as readerslearning to recognize what they like and what they don't.
Studies analyzing reading choices show that Children who read books they choose themselves develop their reading skills better and faster. than those who always read imposed titles. The reason is simple: when the content connects with their tastes, they pay more attention, read for longer, and delve deeper into what they read, which translates into better comprehension and an increasingly rich vocabulary.
If children's interests are not respected, they will begin to feel demotivated about reading and everything it entails. Phrases like "reading is boring" or "I'm no good at reading" appear, reflecting not their ability, but their negative experiences. It's a risk that's best not to take. so that children can continue to feel motivated and curious about reading.
When a child enters a library or bookstore and can choose which book to take home, they are not just choosing an object: is making decisions, developing critical thinking and personal autonomyThis experience strengthens their self-esteem because they feel their opinion matters and that they are capable of choosing for themselves. At the same time, it becomes an excellent opportunity to talk about their interests, accompany them, recommend age-appropriate books, and let them have the final say.
Beware of demotivating
Following the previous point, It's very easy to become discouraged about reading without realizing itThroughout my professional experience with families, I frequently observe how parents themselves, with the best intentions, end up discouraging their children's interest in reading.
Although it is clear that the intention is good because parents do what they believe is best for their children, It's not always the right wayThis approach is misguided because it often disregards children's personalities, paces, and interests. When an adult says things like, "I don't like that book," "Don't you prefer this one?", or "It would be better if you read…," they are sending the message that the child's choice is invalid, and little by little, the child learns that their taste doesn't matter.
For example, if a child wants to read a comic book because they like it, or a horror book that is within their age range, and the parents don't like it and forbid it, it's like forbidding them from being able to read something that interests them. The opportunity for that child to become a good reader is being denied.Because the message they receive is that reading is linked to imposition and judgment. After a ban, other alternatives are not usually well received by children, and the emotional climate surrounding books becomes negative.
Instead of prohibiting, it is much more effective accompany and suggestYou can talk to the child about why that book appeals to them, review together whether it's age-appropriate, suggest similar but more suitable readings if necessary, and above all, show genuine interest in their choice. In this way, parents fulfill their role as guides without stifling the child's freedom of choice.
Allowing choice does not mean that anything goes: The key is to combine freedom with reasonable limits.The adult ensures that the level of difficulty is appropriate, that the content is not harmful, and that the format suits the child's needs (short text, more illustrations, large print, etc.). Within this framework, the subject matter can be as varied as they wish: fantasy, mystery, science, humor, sports, poetry, comics, picture books…
Cultivate reading at home
To cultivate a love of reading, parents need to be committed to improving reading skills not only in their children but in the whole family, fostering... family learning, starting with them first. The home is the first reading environment And it is in reading that many of the habits that will later be reflected in school are formed. As parents, to cultivate a love of reading, it is necessary to keep in mind some important keys:
- To be the best example of reading for their children, so that they see them reading every day and value reading in their leisure time.
- Read to your children from a very young age so that they can associate reading with a pleasant and enjoyable moment, and not with an obligation.
- Respect the children's interests towards reading, allowing them to choose topics and genres that appeal to them.
- Guiding children to choose appropriate reading material at their levelensuring that the book is appropriate for their age and reading level, even if they choose the subject matter.
- Dedicate some time to reading each day with the children to strengthen the parent-child bond and also the children-reading bond.
- To make children see and feel the importance of reading in any area of modern life: to learn, to be entertained, to be informed, or to solve problems.
- Provide a space for reading at home easily accessible and attractive to children, with books within easy reach and a peaceful environment.
The family environment has a lasting effect: various studies indicate that Reading activities at home have a lasting impact on reading performanceReading stories before bed, discussing the news, cooking following a recipe, or playing games like finding words in a dictionary are experiences that add vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of language.
Furthermore, it is necessary to remember the importance of parental patience regarding children's reading and how crucial it is to slow down the fast-paced, timeless lifestyle We have the resources to foster a love of reading in our children. The fast pace of life, the rush, and the excessive screen time directly compete with quiet moments for reading, so it's important to carve out small moments each day to open a book and share it.
Sometimes, Parents may love to read but don't know how to organize their time Due to daily stress, many parents are unable to find time to read with their children each day, or even to read for themselves. In these cases, long reading sessions aren't necessary: even 10 or 15 minutes of shared reading a day can make a big difference, especially if done consistently.
When reading becomes an obligation, for example, to fulfill a school reading requirement, adults often pressure children to read quickly or finish the book soon. This causes many to feel... frustration, anxiety, and even aversion towards readingIt is necessary to understand and respect their learning pace and development in reading, adjusting expectations and offering support without judgment.
Why is it so important for children to choose their own books?
When we talk about letting children choose their books, It's not just about them being more entertainedThe free choice of reading material has multiple emotional, cognitive, and educational benefits that influence their overall development:
- Creating a personal identity as a readerBy choosing what to read, the child defines who he is as a reader, what excites him, what scares him, what makes him laugh or think.
- Development of critical thinkingBy comparing books, genres, and authors, he learns to judge for himself what he likes, to argue his preferences, and to question what he reads.
- Promoting autonomy and responsibilityMaking decisions about their reading helps them feel more confident and responsible, both in the reading field and in other aspects of their daily lives.
- Self-esteem reinforcementWhen they see that their choices are respected, they feel that their judgment matters, which fosters a positive self-image.
- To awaken interest in new topicsA book chosen based on a specific interest (for example, dinosaurs) can open the door to other topics (science, nature, history, travel, etc.).
- Stimulation of creativityFantasy stories, picture books, comics or informational books feed the imagination, give ideas for playing, drawing or writing their own stories.
- Building a lasting love for booksWhen a child associates books with freedom, enjoyment, and discovery, they are much more likely to maintain the reading habit throughout their life.
Allowing them to choose does not mean giving up adult guidance.The role of mothers, fathers, and educators is to suggest, recommend, broaden horizons, ensure that the reading level is appropriate, and offer a variety of genres: stories, non-fiction books, comics, poetry collections, short novels, adapted biographies, etc. The ideal balance is for the adult to suggest and the child to decide.
It is also important do not discriminate between formatsSome children will become hooked on comics, others on picture books, others on books of trivia, and still others on long novels. All of these contribute to their reading experience, expand their vocabulary, and improve their comprehension. When a type of book is dismissed (“that has too many pictures,” “that’s not a real book”), there is a risk of breaking the bridge that connects the child to reading.
General benefits of reading in childhood
When defending freedom of choice, it is worth remembering that Reading itself is a tool for holistic development For boys and girls. Among the most important benefits are:
- Vocabulary and language improvementWhen reading, one encounters new words and expressions that, over time, become part of one's own repertoire, improving both oral and written expression.
- Increased reading comprehensionThe more you read, the more you practice the ability to follow a plot, understand causes and consequences, identify characters, and extract implicit messages.
- Development of imagination and creativityBooks allow you to create internal worlds, visualize scenarios and characters, invent alternative endings, and generate new stories.
- Promoting empathyBy putting themselves in the protagonists' shoes, children learn to understand other people's emotions and interpret different points of view.
- Concentration trainingReading requires maintaining attention for a prolonged period of time, which strengthens the ability to concentrate, so necessary in the school environment and in everyday life.
- Best overall academic performanceThose who read regularly tend to find it easier to understand school texts, write papers, and study content from different subjects.
- Development of critical thinking and reflectionBy being confronted with different ideas, children learn to question, compare and form their own opinion about what they read.
- Learning values and managing emotionsMany stories address themes such as friendship, respect, diversity, equality, or overcoming difficulties, which helps children understand what they feel and put a name to their emotions.
Sharing reading time with our sons and daughters It not only promotes a healthy habit, but also creates a strong emotional bondIn addition to creating an atmosphere of trust, the conversations that arise after a story allow us to talk about fears, doubts, desires, and everyday situations that might otherwise be more difficult to address.
Practical ideas for teaching the reading habit while respecting their tastes
Promoting reading does not depend solely on the school; The family plays a decisive roleSome specific actions you can take, always respecting the children's choices, are:
- Ask them what interests them.Find out what topics, characters, or activities interest them (animals, magic, soccer, mysteries, science, humor, etc.). That will be the starting point for finding related books.
- Let them choose their booksIn libraries, bookstores or at home, offer them several age-appropriate options and let them decide what they want to read first.
- Create an environment conducive to readingA comfortable, well-lit corner, without screens on or excessive noise, makes reading time more pleasant.
- Read daily without forcing it: try to make reading a part of every day, even if it's just for a few minutes, but avoid turning it into a rigid obligation or a punishment.
- Set an example of readingIf your children see you reading for pleasure, they will understand that books can also be a source of enjoyment for them.
- Use books with drawings or special formats: In early ages, books with illustrations, textures or pop-ups make it easier for them to get hooked on the stories.
- Playing with what you have readSuggesting that they draw a character, change the ending of the story, or act out a scene helps to reinforce understanding and associate reading with play.
- Talking about books at homeDiscussing what you are reading, what part you liked best, or what book you would like to read next keeps curiosity alive.
This whole journey is easier and more enriching when you It leaves room for freedom of choice.The more times they can say "I chose this book," the more likely they are to feel excited when they open it.
The importance of children choosing their reading material has to do with their right to discover books in their own wayAt their own pace and according to their own interests. When adults accompany this process with respect, patience, and good resources, reading ceases to be a school assignment and becomes a refuge, an adventure, and a powerful tool for understanding the world.
