Reading with our children when they are young is a wonderful way to connect. But how do we ensure this connection remains strong as they grow older? The good news is that reading is a time for bonding as well as growth. As soon as you get into the groove of reading regularly with your children, you notice that there are several ways to enjoy reading with them, especially as they grow older. Read on if you are looking for ways to connect with your children as they grow older!
1 | Be Flexible and Adapt To Their Interests
As your children grow, their interests may change. What they loved to read when they were younger may not be as attractive to them now. That's why it's essential to be flexible and adapt.
If you need to figure out what they're interested in, ask them. Children can be very forthcoming about these things. They may have great ideas for books you would never have thought of. And don't forget to look beyond traditional books. There are all kinds of excellent reading materials out there, from magazines to graphic novels to websites. Of course, you want to avoid forcing them to read something they don't like. Hence, if you find a book they're interested in, it can be a great way to connect with them and help them grow as readers.
2 | Be Open To All Conversations
Most parents seek ways to connect with their children. One of the best ways to do this is through reading together. But it's not just about reading the words on the page, it's about being open to all conversations while reading with your child.
You never know what might come up while you're reading together. Maybe your child will have a question about something they don't understand in the book. Perhaps they'll want to talk about something that happened at school that day. Or maybe they'll want to share their thoughts and feelings about the story with you. Whatever it is, be open to having that conversation. By being open to all conversations - you're setting yourself up to grow with your children and deepen your relationship with them.
3 | Take The Time To Consider Their Thoughts
Take the time to consider not only the book, but also their thoughts on it. Reflecting on the book helps you understand your child's perspective, thoughts, and feelings. It allows you to connect deeper with your child, and can also help promote critical thinking and creativity.
So next time you're reading with your child, take a few minutes afterwards to chat about the book and what they thought of it. You might be surprised at how much you learn about them – and yourself!
4 | Ignore Pre-conceived Ideas About The
Kinds Of Books Your Child Should Enjoy
It's essential to be open-minded about the books your child enjoys. Just because a book is popular or has won awards doesn't mean it's the right fit for your child. And just because a book is less well-known doesn't mean it's not worth reading. Explore different genres and topics with your child, and let them lead the way. You may be surprised at what interests them!
5 | Know When To Switch It Up
You may be reading picture books today, but your child will soon crave more elaborate stories. Switching it up and adding different books, like non-fiction, poetry, and chapter books, will help keep a child interested in books beyond elementary age. As they get older, you may even begin to read the same books independently to discuss them later. Consider the power of sharing articles with your child for discussion.
From birth into adulthood, reading is an excellent way to grow and connect with our children. Staying open to different interests and the conversation that flows from reading will create a bond that will last a lifetime.
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Meet the Author
Quinn Cummings is the creator and host of the Parenting & Bonding with Children's Books podcast and community. As a single mom, she uses her passion for books to pour into her son, Aidyn. She speaks to parents on the importance of reading to our children. Her goal is to increase reading in homes throughout the globe. For resources and tips for creating a better relationship with your children through story, visit aidynsbooks.com.
The Life of a Single Mom is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served hundreds of thousands of single mothers with a variety of programs. Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S. The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information, visit www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
