Here are 8 tips for creating a reading routine with your kids, from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Pick a place and time to read together every day, such as bedtime.
• Let kids chose their own books, when they’re old enough.
• Read with emotion and use facial expressions, which liven up the story and convey your own love of reading.
• Don’t stress about kids being rough with their books. If your young child chews on them, choose sturdy ones!
• Talk about the story. Ask your child about the emotions characters are experiencing and why they make the choices they do, as well as what she predicts will happen.
• Let your child finish sentences you are reading, such as “The duck said ___.”
• Be patient if your child wants to read the same book over and over. Indulge his love of the story!
• Remember that your child may have a short attention span, and keep reading every day even if she can’t pay attention for long.

As you and your child read together, you’ll develop a stronger bond as well. This time together will help your child become an emotionally balanced and successful adult who continues to grow from his deep love of reading.

To read our full article, visit HealingForLifeSLC.org.

To find a pediatrician near you, please visit IntermountainClinics.org.

 

 

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AUTHOR:

JIM L. GOTTLIEB, MD

Southridge Pediatrics

801.285.4543

SouthridgePediatrics.org