5 Ways to Get Teenagers Reading

February 25, 2020

Group of teenagers lounging in a room and reading books together.

In the age of smartphones, teenagers tend to get distracted by the buzz of the virtual world, and they tend to neglect the art of sitting down with a good book. If you are a parent of teenagers, you might be struggling to inspire them to read. Using these tactics, you should be able to encourage them to start reading more frequently!

Be the Standard You’re Setting

Teenagers don’t fall for the “do as I say, not as I do” saying. It is very important to be a role model for your children. Make sure they see you reading and enjoying a book - it will make them wonder what they are missing. If your main goal is to get your teenager off of their cell phone, be mindful of your screen time as well. You set the tone in your household!

Don’t Oppose Digital Reading

If all you want is for your children to read, and they are willing to if they can do so on the iPad or their phone, allow it! eBooks are becoming more and more popular, and they are easily accessible. Also, throw in small rewards and compliments when they finish a book or a chapter. Encouraging and celebrating what they have accomplished is very important.

Be Creative

Set a time out one night of the week to read together. Get some sweets, hot cocoa, or popcorn to make for a cozy and enjoyable night in the living room. Give this night a name - like “books and brownies” or “popcorn and reading.” Be creative, and make sure your priority is that your children are having a good time. 

Don’t Be Pushy

However, if the reading-themed evenings only seem to make reading less enjoyable for them, explore other options. Don’t force them to read or punish them if they don’t because this will increase the chances of them developing an aversion to reading.

Provide the Books They Want

You know your children, so ensure that they are able to access books or novels that they would enjoy. They may like certain genres or topics. While it’s good to stick with what you know they’ll like, it can be fun to surprise them occasionally with a book that may be a bit out of the norm for them. Always ensure they are able to access material they find interesting.

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