How to Nurture Your Kids To Be Readers

“My kid doesn’t read!” “I have to force my child to open a book!” Does this sound like you? 

In a world of TikToks, touchscreens, and 10-second videos, literacy in kids is more important than ever. Yet for many parents, getting their child to pick up a book feels like pulling teeth. 

The truth? Your kids can fall in love with reading—you just have to meet them where they are. So, how can you foster a genuine love for reading in a world where attention spans are shrinking and screens are everywhere?

Tips on Nurturing the Budding Reader in Your Child

1. Literacy in Kids Starts With Access and Attitude

Your kids are more likely to love reading when it’s part of everyday family life. Read together before bed, create a cozy “reading nook,” or let them choose the stories. This will show them that reading is fun, not just homework.

It’s hard to build reading habits if books aren’t within reach. Create an environment where access to storybooks comes before they have access to devices. Just remember that literacy isn’t about stockpiling classics on a shelf; it’s about creating everyday moments where words come alive.

2. Make Reading Personal, Not Perfect

Choose books that let their imagination run wild!

Every child has a different relationship with reading. Yours may love fairytales or prefer scientific books about nature and space exploration. One way to encourage literacy in your kids is by letting them choose what they want to read, even if it’s a comic strip or a magazine.

It also helps when reading isn’t tied to performance. Your child is more likely to engage when they’re not being corrected every second. Ask questions like, “What was your favourite part?” or “What do you think the character is feeling?”

It’s less about right or wrong and more about relating to the story.

3. Model the Habit: Read by Example

One of the simplest ways to build literacy in your kids? Let them catch you reading.

Whether it’s a novel, a newspaper, or a recipe, kids will mirror what they see. Set aside a few minutes where everyone in the house “reads quietly.” With zero pressure and phones around, you’d be surprised what even five minutes a day can do over time.

4. Tap Into the Community

Not every home has shelves full of books, but that doesn’t mean your child can’t grow up loving to read. Tap into your community. 

Public libraries are a great (and free!) way to explore new stories regularly. Find those that offer read-aloud sessions or holiday programs. Additionally, you can organise small book swaps with other parents or start a weekend reading circle in your neighbourhood or within your extended family. 

When kids see reading as something shared, not just solitary, it becomes more joyful and a lot more consistent.

Our Budding Leaders Program Cares About Your Child’s Literacy

That’s why storytelling is one of the core tools we use when implementing the Budding Leaders Program. Track 1 – Confidence Building and Track 2 – Leadership Skills Development will run every school holiday. Through it, kids learn not only to read and express themselves, but also to build empathy, confidence, and courage.

Want to help your child grow into a bold communicator and thoughtful reader? Then our camp is the perfect place to start. Click HERE to register for our upcoming camp.