Be the Reading Example

Do your kids whine when you tell them to go read?

My boys enjoy reading, but sometimes the video games and other electronic devices are more captivating. They look at me with those sweet faces and tell me “no”. I don't want to read, they say.

When this happens, I have a choice to make. I can force them to read or I can give in to the video games. I usually I try a third option: give an incentive that goes something like this: Read 3 chapters in your book and then you can play the video games for X amount of time.

But, there is another option. Be the reading example. Let your kids see you reading. If they see you reading, they're more likely to willingly pick up a book themselves.

Let them see you:

Read for fun and personal enjoyment.
Read for information and personal enrichment.

I know it's late in the summer, but it's not too late to pick up a book and get to reading. School starting is just around the corner, but you can still make this the summer of reading.

How can you do it?

Make time for good books every day.
Schedule a time each day for family reading.
Read before using electronics.

I'm not usually a fiction reader, but every once in a while I need to read something different. Tricia Goyer sent me a copy of Mom's Night Out to read and so I could be an example to my kids. I hadn't seen the movie – and as of writing this, I still haven't. It's a really funny book that many moms can relate to. I had a hard time putting it down!

Need some recommendations for your summer reading? Tricia Goyer has a lot of good books. Take a look at Tricia's author page on Amazon to see a list of books she's written. Two of my favorite are:

Summer is counting down… How are you going to be the reading example to your kids this summer?

Material disclosure: Tricia Goyer sent me a copy of Mom's Night Out in exchange for promoting summer reading.