Not Kidding Around

Some things in life are hard.

As a parent I can tell you one of the hardest things you will ever do is try and get your kids to read. In our culture today there are so many things competing for our children’s attention: television, video games, music, movies, and schoolwork. I love reading. I am passionate about reading but trying to pass that passion on to my kids is nigh unto impossible.

The weird thing about it is all of them are reading at or above grade level and they rarely crack a book at home without there being some sort of edict sent down from the high and lofty seat of power. “Go to your room and read or I will take that Nintendo Wii and hook it up to my TV.”

I think I did everything right. I read to them every night as they went to bed before they could do so themselves. They see me reading. They understand the importance of reading. So, why then do they not read?

The answer is not simple. I almost want to throw my hands in the air and say the answer is “ I have no freaking idea.” But that would be cheating and not a very interesting blog. (Though this might already be uninteresting)

Here’s my answer in a nutshell. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I didn’t really develop good reading habits myself until I was in high school. As a parent I have to continue to provide a good example by allowing them to see me read, to see my passion for reading. I have to engage them in conversations about my book. They need to want to read before there ever going to become a reader.

So in conclusion, I plan to keep buying them books. I’ll read them myself if I have to. I’m going to continue to make a point of reading when I’m around them. I’m going to discuss books in front of them. I’m not going to force them to read. I’m not going to use the force to make them read.

I’m just going to wait, watch, and provide opportunities for my children to grow up strong, healthy, and passionate readers.