via ginnerobot

When you have kids, it’s not always easy to take a minute for yourself. Here’s an excuse to take that minute (and it’ll benefit your kids!)

If you want your kids to read, it helps if you GET CAUGHT READING!

Kids are natural mimics and you are their very first role model. If you show your kids that reading is pleasurable, useful and something you are willing to invest your own time in, you are setting an example for them. To make books part of your daily life, here’s a few ideas:

• Make books accessible for everyone. Display them throughout the house.
• If you have books on your coffee table, don’t just let them sit there unopened. Use them in conversation with guests and even with your own kids. (Most coffee table books have loads of pictures!)
• Be deliberate about telling your kids you read. Mention to your child that you read while they were on a playdate or napping. Kids love it when you recount your activities. Make sure you mention reading along with that trip to the grocery store.
• Once kids are older, make reading an activity for everyone. Let kids read their books while you read yours.
• Have your kids support your reading. Ask them to put your book on your nightstand so you can read it before bed or put your book in the bag you take to the pool.
• When your kids ask you a question, consult a book- even if you know the answer!

Please share your own tips for being a good reading role model with your kids!