In today's world, screens are everywhere. Tablets, phones, video games, and TVs are part of daily life for many families. While technology can be useful, too much screen time can make it harder for children to focus, use their imagination, develop language skills, and connect with others.
Many parents tell us, "My child just doesn't like reading books." The truth is that screens are designed to be exciting and entertaining. Reading takes more effort, but it helps children grow in important ways. A love of reading can support success in school, improve communication skills, and build confidence.
We understand that balancing books and screen time can be challenging, especially for busy families. The good news is that small, simple changes can make a big difference. The following tips can help encourage a love of reading while supporting learning, creativity, and meaningful family connection.
Create Daily Reading Time
Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to read together. Choose a favorite book, find a cozy spot, and make it a special part of your routine. Reading together helps children build vocabulary, strengthen listening skills, and create meaningful connections with caregivers.
Make Books Easy to Access
Children are more likely to read and explore books when they are clearly visible and easy to grab. Keeping books in different areas of the home, like bedrooms, the living room, or the car, can encourage your child to reach for them more often.
Trips to the library can also make reading feel exciting and special, and libraries frequently have free, fun activities or events to attend, story time read-aloud, and more. You can check your local library’s website, call, or visit in person to learn about what’s happening near you!
Encourage Children to Choose What They Read
Not every child will love the same types of books, and choosing their own books can help expand a child's interests and give them a sense of ownership over their reading experience. Some children will enjoy silly stories, sensory and picture books, or books about animals, dinosaurs, or princesses. Others might prefer fun facts or joke books, comics, science or history books, or books about relatable experiences for kids their age. When children feel free to explore and try new books, they are more likely to stay interested.
Encourage Outdoor Time Over Screen Time
Outdoor play helps children build creativity, strengthen imaginative play, develop social skills, and gain problem-solving abilities. Sometimes children turn to screens because they are bored or seeking activity or distraction.
Encourage activities like nature walks, sidewalk chalk, riding bikes, scavenger hunts, playing with friends, or reading outside on a blanket. Fresh air, sunshine, and movement are healthy for the body and the brain. Enjoying time outdoors can improve physical and mental and emotional health!
Be a Reading Role Model
Children notice what adults do and often mirror what they see. When they see parents, grandparents, or caregivers reading books, magazines, recipes, or newspapers, it sends the message that reading matters and it can be fun! Talking about books you love, reading side-by-side, or sharing and reading stories from your own childhood can help spark interest and form connections with your child.
Use Screen Time with Purpose
Not all screen time is bad, but balance is important. Create screen-free times during meals, family activities, and before bedtime. You can also encourage a "read before screen time" rule or choose educational apps and programs that support learning.
Focus on Connection Over Perfection
Reading does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. Some children may only sit for a few minutes or prefer to talk about the pictures instead of reading the words. That's okay. The goal is to create positive experiences with books and learning.
When families make time for stories, conversation, and play, children gain more than reading skills. They build confidence, curiosity, creativity, and stronger relationships with the people who love them. Helping a child fall in love with reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give.
Carneshia Edwards is the School Health Lead – Kindergarten Readiness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She manages the Kindergarten Readiness program within NCH Primary Care practices and specializes in early childhood development, literacy, and family engagement, strengthening partnerships between health care, families, and schools to ensure children are prepared for kindergarten and long-term academic success.
Emily Mason
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