5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Reading Resolutions

Now that 2017 is underway, it’s time for us to examine those resolutions we made so cavalierly at midnight on New Year’s Eve! If you are like me and love books with the passion of a thousand burning suns, you probably promised yourself that 2017 would be the year you worked even harder to ignite your little reader’s love of books. Here are five great ways to painlessly (and dare I say enjoyably) put that resolution firmly into practice:

Resolve to find new and creative ways to encourage your little to read. Take them to the bookstore and letting them roam around and choose what (age-appropriate) books they want to read next; surround them with books in many locations at home; and begin keeping a visible record of their achievements by charting or graphing the number of books your child reads, which will help them develop a sense of accomplishment about their reading skills (and it’s always fun at any age to look back and remember all the great books you have read!).

Say It Out Loud

Reading aloud to your little not only stimulates language and cognitive thinking skills and enhances memory, it also provides crucial family bonding. Why not resolve to set aside a block of time read out loud with your child every day? (Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t happen every day; as with everything in parenting, just trying to do your best is enough.) Need a few suggestions? Here’s a list of 10 great picture books to read aloud. And of course, reading aloud doesn’t have to end when your kiddo can read to themselves; chapter books and middle grade books (hello, Harry Potter!) for older readers are also wonderful to read aloud together at bedtime. (Here’s a guide to when is a good age to start the Harry Potter series.)

Read what your child reads. If your young reader comes homes with an assigned copy of Where the Red Fern Grows, consider picking up this childhood classic for yourself. Sure, it may be written for kids, but re-reading a timeless classic can be fun and I guarantee that your little reader will love the opportunity to discuss the book with you. And, spoiler alert, they are going to need a shoulder to cry on after finishing this particular book.

Inspire, Inspire, Inspire

Children often pick up the habits and quirks of the adults around them. If you resolve to read more books in the coming year, this might just get your little reader motivated to read more too. (And parents can take care of two goals in one by reading a parenting book, like the incomparable How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, which is filled with insights and tips on fostering a positive and healthy relationship with your child.)

It just so happens we’ve got a suggested reading list to start off your first meeting (along with discussion questions and snack pairings!) all ready for you right here.

Happy reading in 2017!