Reading - Competing

For Their Attention

The problem -

Reading is an essential skill for your children, but it's getting much more difficult to get them interested.

Today's children are growing up in the information age. They're used to being bombarded with entertainment options.

Television, video games, computers, the Internet, and iPods all compete for their attention. Getting them involved can be a challenge.

Here are five tips to get them interested at an early age:

1. Start when your children are very young. Use children's books with lots of pictures.

2. Repeat some of the books over time and let them pretend to do it themselves.

3. Help them pick out their own books at the library or bookstore. Surprise them with books on their favorite subjects.

4. Reserve a certain time to do it together as a family.

5. Let them take the lead as soon as they're able. Encourage and praise them for it.

If you use these tips early, you'll help your children develop a lifelong love of books.

Return from Reading to Study Skills Tips.