Read to baby Tip # 4 – It’s never too late.

If you want to read to your child, start today. (Even if you have never read aloud before)

You may have heard how reading to babies from birth benefits them in various ways – making them smarter, improving their language and communication skills, boosting their confidence levels, enhancing their reading comprehension and writing skills and basically, just making better readers, and hence, better learners out of them for life.

You may not be all too happy about it if you aren’t one of those parents who began reading to their babies from the day 1.

Maybe, you simply had too much on your plate and had to mange things single-handed. A screaming, new baby couldn’t have made it easier. Maybe you just didn’t have the energy or the time. Or maybe, reading aloud simply wasn’t your thing. Whatever your reasons, it doesn’t really matter – if you want to start reading to your child today, the past shouldn’t stop you.

The great news is that you want to start now. And reading aloud is beneficial no matter how old your baby is.

But, if your baby is not really a baby anymore, and is in fact an active toddler, pre-schooler or even a kid in elementary or middle school, things could get a little tricky, before they get easy. That’s not to say that it’s going to be hard, but, hey – we all know only too well – a helpless little baby who can’t wriggle out of your arms is way easier to handle than a 5 year old with a mind and will of his own. So, we just need to figure out more creative and fun ways to get the older child interested in reading with us.

But, the point to bear in mind is this. It is never, NEVER too late to start reading to your kids. With a little determination and creativity, you CAN enjoy the experience of reading to your older children while helping them enjoy the benefits of being read to. As Emma Walton Hamilton says in her book, Raising Bookworms, it is essential to continue to read to kids even after they become independent readers.

So, how is reading to an older child different from reading to babies and what can you do about it?

1. Pick books that match your child’s interest. When you start reading to babies, they are still getting used to sounds, voices and language – so it doesn’t really matter what you read in the initial days, as long as you are exposing them to some reading or talking. However, with older kids, who have begun to understand and comprehend language, have started speaking and who may already be exposed to an environment of books at daycare or preschool – your approach needs to be a more tailored one. To make the transition to reading together easier and fun, initially choose books about things or topics your kid loves. Trains, cars, dinosaurs, bugs. As long as the book can manage to perk his curiosity and get him somewhat interested, you’re getting closer to your goal.
2. Establish the routine and explain it. If you haven’t been doing it for the first 5 or 6 years, your child may be confused at first, when you start reading together. He may wonder what it’s all about and why you’re doing it. He may have begun to associate books and reading with school or homework, so it may take a little while for him to see how your reading to him is different. To put him at ease, at the end of the first book or first read aloud session, ask him what he thought of the story or book. Tell him how much you enjoyed reading to him and would like to do it again. Tell him how much you would love to read stories together and ask him if he would like to pick out any books to read with you for the following night. Keep it sweet and simple. Make sure you pay attention to your child’s body language and listen to anything he tries to tell you. If he doesn’t seem sure, give him a little time. But, do commit to a certain time everyday and be sure to show up with a few books at that hour and read to him. Encourage him to interact and discuss, but if he is reluctant initially, do not make too big a deal out if it. Simply do your best to read to him. Be consistent, punctual and keep an open mind. Most likely, in a few days, your child will begin to see the routine you have established, come to expect it and even look forward to it.
3. Create a special reading ritual for the two of you. Above all, the purpose of you reading aloud to your child is for him to be able to see how enjoyable an experience it can be. The fact that reading is a great source of learning and language enrichment is almost a byproduct. When your child begins to enjoy something, learning is bound to happen almost effortlessly. So, to help him along in this journey of finding the excitement in reading, make a special ritual out of it. Maybe you pick a theme for a week and dress up as characters related to that theme. Or pick a reading venue that relates to the books you’re reading – something as mundane as your attic or as special as a ’secret garden’ in your backyard could work. Set an alarm or timer to go off at the same time every day so both of you, no matter what you’re doing, will know it’s reading time and meet at the designated reading spot. When your child begins to see reading with you as an adventure or as a fun activity that you care about, he is very likely to be more enthusiastic about it.
4. Have a reading party! Group reading sessions could be a lot of fun. Invite a couple of your child’s close friends over, for a snack or sleepover. Encourage them to bring their favorite books along to read together. Offer to read aloud with them. Or to help them with related discussions or activities. Play a reading game where each child has a copy of a book. One starts reading and the others follow along. When the first child stops, the second child has to start from the exact word or sentence where he left off. Or ask each child to read aloud a book or a favorite section and record it in your video camera. Make a special video out of it, adding titles, credits and editing effects. Let kids exchange these videos as birthday gifts.
5. Follow all the other Read Aloud rules. Such as not allowing interruptions while reading. Treating reading time as a special time to bond with your child. Creating or choosing a calm, inviting environment for reading. Watching and listening for cues as you read, to know if your child is enjoying a book, feeling uncomfortable or bored. Know when to switch to a new book or maybe even stop reading for the day, if your child seems particularly anxious or bored. Stop reading and chat about something else instead. Yes, I said Reading Ritual, but just like every other aspect of parenting, let your intuition be your guide.

So, whether you have been waiting for the right time to start reading to your child or are just not sure if your child is too old to be read to – it’s time to stop wondering and start reading.

It’s always a good time to read.

Also check out…

Reading to Baby Tip #1 – Let Your Baby Lead
Reading to Baby Tip # 2 – Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Reading to Baby Tip # 3 – Reading = Bonding