In an age of screens and digital distractions, sharing books with your children creates something precious: focused time together, shared stories, and the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. This guide explores why family reading matters and how to make it work for your household, no matter your children's ages.
The Benefits of Reading Together
For Children
- Language development: Exposure to rich vocabulary and sentence structures
- Comprehension skills: Learning to follow narratives and understand context
- Concentration: Practice focusing attention for extended periods
- Emotional intelligence: Understanding characters' feelings and motivations
- Knowledge: Learning about the world through stories
- Love of reading: Positive associations with books that last a lifetime
For Parents
- Quality time: Undistracted connection with children
- Window into child's mind: Their questions and reactions reveal their thinking
- Conversation starters: Books provide topics to discuss values and experiences
- Own enjoyment: Rediscovering classics and finding new favorites
- Reading habit: Modeling the behavior you want to encourage
Research Support
Studies consistently show that children who are read to regularly have larger vocabularies by school age, perform better on reading comprehension tests, are more likely to become voluntary readers, and show stronger parent-child attachment.
Family Reading by Age Group
Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)
What to Read
- Board books with simple images
- Touch-and-feel books
- Rhyming books and nursery rhymes
- Books with repetition
How to Read
- Let them hold and explore books
- Point to pictures and name objects
- Use animated voices and expressions
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes)
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
What to Read
- Picture books with more complex stories
- Alphabet and counting books
- Books about topics that interest them
- Stories with humor and surprise
How to Read
- Ask questions: "What do you think will happen next?"
- Let them "read" familiar books to you
- Point to words occasionally
- Re-read favorites (repetition builds literacy)
Early Readers (6-8 years)
What to Read
- Beginning chapter books
- Series books that build engagement
- Non-fiction on their interests
- Books slightly above their reading level (for read-alouds)
How to Read
- Take turns reading pages
- Continue reading aloud even as they learn to read
- Discuss characters and plot
- Create space for independent reading too
Older Children (9-12 years)
What to Read
- Middle-grade novels
- Classic children's literature
- Books being adapted to movies
- Books on topics they're studying
How to Read
- Family read-alouds (yes, even at this age!)
- Reading the same book independently, then discussing
- Audiobooks on car trips
- Book swaps and recommendations
Teenagers
While teens typically read independently, family reading can continue:
- Recommend books to each other
- Read the same book and discuss
- Share articles or essays
- Create a family reading list
Practical Tips for Success
Establish a Routine
Reading at the same time each day creates anticipation and habit:
- Bedtime: The classic choice - calms and connects
- After school: Transition time before other activities
- Weekend mornings: Relaxed, longer sessions
- Waiting times: Doctor's offices, restaurants
Create a Reading Environment
- Comfortable seating for snuggling
- Good lighting
- Books accessible at child's level
- Minimal distractions (screens off)
Make It Interactive
- Use different voices for characters
- Pause for predictions and questions
- Let children turn pages
- Discuss the story after reading
Let Children Lead
- Follow their interests
- Re-read favorites without complaint
- Let them abandon books they don't enjoy
- Include their book choices in purchases
Choosing Books Together
Visit Libraries and Bookstores
Make book selection an event:
- Regular library visits
- Let each child choose their own books
- Ask librarians for recommendations
- Explore different sections
Balance Choices
Include a mix of:
- Child's choice (builds ownership)
- Parent's choice (introduces new possibilities)
- Recommended books (trusted suggestions)
- Series continuations (builds engagement)
Consider Multiple Formats
- Physical books for home reading
- E-books for travel convenience
- Audiobooks for car trips
- Graphic novels and comics
Tip
Keeping track of books you've read together creates a precious family record. Years later, you'll enjoy looking back at the stories you shared. Digital records make it easy to search for "that book about the dragon" or remember which books a child loved at each age.
Beyond Reading: Related Activities
Extend the Experience
- Draw scenes or characters: Visual processing reinforces memory
- Act out stories: Embody the narrative
- Cook foods from books: Make blueberry pie after reading Blueberries for Sal
- Visit related places: Museums, nature spots, historical sites
Writing Activities
- Write alternative endings
- Create their own picture books
- Write letters to authors
- Keep a reading journal
Family Book Club
For older children, create a family book club:
- Everyone reads the same book
- Schedule a discussion time
- Prepare discussion questions
- Include special snacks
Overcoming Common Challenges
"We Don't Have Time"
Even 10-15 minutes daily makes a difference. Try:
- Reading during meals
- Audiobooks in the car
- Reading instead of one TV show
- Brief reading at bedtime (non-negotiable)
"My Child Won't Sit Still"
- Start with very short sessions
- Choose engaging, interactive books
- Let them move while you read
- Try audiobooks with drawing
"They Only Want the Same Books"
Repetition is actually valuable:
- Builds deep familiarity with language
- Provides comfort and security
- Eventually, they'll be ready for new books
- Try reading favorites in new ways
"Siblings Have Different Levels"
- Read aloud at the older child's level (younger ones absorb more than you'd think)
- Have separate reading times for each child
- Let older children read to younger ones
- Choose books with universal appeal
"They Prefer Screens"
- Don't frame it as books vs. screens
- Make reading time screen-free for everyone
- Choose books related to their interests (even gaming or movies)
- Try graphic novels as a bridge
Conclusion: Building Lifelong Readers
The greatest gift you can give your children through reading isn't just literacy - it's the love of reading itself. Children who associate books with warmth, connection, and enjoyment become adults who turn to books throughout their lives.
Key Takeaways
- Start now: Whatever age your children are
- Be consistent: Regular reading matters more than duration
- Follow their lead: Their interests guide the journey
- Model reading: Let them see you read for pleasure
- Make it joyful: Reading should be a treat, not a task
Years from now, your children won't remember every book you read together. But they'll remember how it felt - curled up together, sharing stories, discovering worlds. Those memories become the foundation of a reading life.
Keep a Record of Family Reading
With Reading Forest, you can record the books you read with your children.
Look back on precious memories as your children grow.