How to Encourage Family Reading Time When Your Schedule Is Packed
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for family activities can be challenging, especially when juggling packed schedules and overwhelming to-do lists. Yet, one of the most enriching and bonding activities a family can engage in is reading together. But how does one carve out precious time for such a pastime when life feels like a never-ending sprint?
The renowned author and thinker, J.K. Rowling, once highlighted the transformative power of reading. She said, ‘I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.’ This magic isn’t limited to the individual experience, it extends into the family unit, enhancing communication and shared understanding.
Reading together as a family doesn’t mean blocking off large chunks of time. It’s about quality, not quantity. Think of it like planting seeds. Even a few minutes a day can cultivate a lifelong love for reading in your child. Consider starting with short stories or chapters from books. Small commitments make it easier to stick to a routine. When a young Winston Churchill was growing up, his mother made it a point to read with him regularly despite her hectic schedule. This habit contributed greatly to his mastery of the English language, eventually helping him to become one of history’s greatest orators.
Apart from the obvious educational benefits, reading with your children enhances emotional bonds. Sharing stories provides a platform for discussions about values, emotions, and problem-solving. Children learn from hearing and watching you express thoughts and ideas. As explained in the book “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease, reading aloud together brings benefits beyond just literacy improvement, fostering a nurturing environment for critical thinking and self-expression.
However, finding time amidst chaos requires some strategy. Consider incorporating reading into existing routines. Use breakfast time or bedtime to introduce short reading sessions. The consistent backdrop helps children anticipate and look forward to the experience.
Given the digital age we live in, not all reading has to come from paper books. E-books, audiobooks, and interactive stories on a tablet can offer convenience without sacrificing substance. As Steve Jobs once mentioned, ‘Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.’ In this vein, technology can be seen as a bridge rather than a barrier in facilitating reading time.
To maintain enthusiasm for reading, bring a sense of adventure to it. Curate a diverse selection of books that cater to everyone’s interests. When Bill Gates talks about his love for reading, he often cites the curiosity and expansion of horizons that books offer. Variety keeps family reading time fresh, engaging, and educational.
Another practical approach is to set a reading goal. Whether it’s reading a new book each month or completing a series by year-end, goals can provide direction and motivation. Keep track of these accomplishments, perhaps using a family reading chart placed in a common area. This small yet powerful tool can serve as both a motivator and a reminder of the joy that reading brings.
Furthermore, involve your children in choosing books. When children have a say in what they read, they are more likely to be engaged and passionate about the activity. Oprah Winfrey, an avid reader since childhood, often speaks about how her grandmother encouraged her curiosity by allowing her to select what books to bring home from the library.
Finally, practice what you preach. Make sure your children see you reading. When they observe reading as a valued activity in your life, they are more likely to adopt it for themselves. This ‘monkey see, monkey do’ effect lays a powerful foundation for lifelong habits.
Amidst the challenges, the key takeaway is that reading time need not be another source of stress, but rather, a refuge from it. By prioritizing this activity and making small, consistent efforts, you instill in your family not just the skill of reading, but a shared journey of exploration and learning.
In an often-chaotic world, where distractions abound, remember that sitting down with a book (or e-book) as a family can be a powerful antidote, helping everyone achieve a balanced life akin to what top two-percentage achievers experience in their organized existence. Embrace family reading time not just as an addition to your schedule, but as an enriching tradition that gifts you with both knowledge and cherished togetherness.
