Introduction

Did you know that reading more helps to improve your child’s literacy? Of course, you do, and maybe in their younger years, your child was always up for a bedtime story, or they looked forward to reading the adventure book they already knew the ending of. 

If your teenager reads more now, though, will this improve their literacy skills? The simple answer to this, is yes. There are more benefits than disadvantages to reading more.

However, now that your child is older, they may be less inclined to pick up a book to read at will. This may be a habit they've gotten into, or perhaps they prefer to watch a series, movie or play or their electronic device.

If you're stumped on ideas, no need to worry as I've listed below 7 tips/ideas you can use to get your teen reading more..

Offer Them Incentives

While choosing to read for leisure is a habit you want your child to develop, some will need more of a push than others to actually get the ball rolling.

Introducing incentives can be a fun way to take reading more on as a challenge. The long-term benefits of using incentives to get them to pay off, but this doesn't have to be strictly money-related.

Think, of a sweet treat, watching their favourite movie or visiting their favourite restaurant. As a parent, you will know your child well enough to know what encourages them. Be creative!

Encourage Them To Engage With Reading in Different Forms

Technology doesn’t always have to be the bad guy. You can introduce your child to book tube, or booktok or other technologically aided platforms to stir up their interest in reading for leisure. Also, try not to pigeonhole or restrict the types of books your child chooses to interact with.

For example, if they prefer graphic novels, magazines, newspapers or e-books, so long as they engage in reading. 

Model Good Reading Behaviour

Your child’s teenage years are developmental and impressionable ones. If you struggle to get them to read solely by telling them to do so, try modeling the reading behaviour you want them to adopt.

Perhaps you’ll create a time in the day for the whole family to read together, where they know they are expected to participate because “everyone else is doing it too”.

Limit Their Usage Of Technology

The earlier you reduce your child’s time on electronic devices, the easier (potentially) it is for you to gear their interests towards reading as a fun activity which, hopefully, they will continue to choose as they grow up. 

Try To Understand The Reason Why

If your child is a teenager and is entirely reluctant to read, it’s well worth discovering why they refuse to read or aren't so keen. Since their high school years, particularly their latter years, consist of exams that require them to read, it's likely, they aren't as excited to read outside of these times. 

Tell Them To Read More Age-Appropriate Novels

As a parent, you may fear getting out of touch with your children’s experiences and challenges. Yes, you’ve been in their shoes before. However, there’s no denying that their pressures may differ or feel appear weightier to them. If you’re able to find the time to read novels for their age range, this will help you to gain more insight into the kinds of struggles children their age are up against. 

Join our Dream Team Readers Book Club

I'd like to use this opportunity to share our Dream Team Readers Book Club with you.

If you'd like to learn a little bit more or sign up, click here

Look Out For Book Recommendations

Finding the perfect book your child enjoys and is interested in can feel like a mammoth task, but don’t lose hope. There is a book out there that your child will love. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

You can take a look at the following sites to kickstart that journey:

• Parents and supporters (penguin.co.uk) (especially if you're looking for diverse books for your teen to get into)
• Love Reading 4 Kids
• Common Sense Media