Helping children develop a consistent reading habit can support vocabulary, comprehension and confidence at school. For parents, the challenge is often making reading enjoyable without turning it into another daily obligation.

Start by establishing a realistic reading routine. Choose a regular time that suits your family's schedule, such as after dinner or before bedtime. Even a short session can help children become familiar with reading as part of everyday life.

Allow your child to choose books and other suitable reading materials that interest them. Stories about animals, sport, science, adventures or favourite hobbies can make reading feel more relevant. Graphic novels and age-appropriate digital texts may also encourage reluctant readers to participate.

Reading together can help younger children feel supported. Take turns reading paragraphs, discuss interesting characters and ask simple questions about the story. Older children may prefer independent reading followed by an informal conversation about what they discovered.

Avoid focusing entirely on reading speed or the number of pages completed. Ask your child what happened, what surprised them or what they learnt. These conversations encourage understanding and show that reading has value beyond completing a task.

If your child regularly struggles with particular words or passages, choose easier material temporarily and seek advice from their teacher if concerns persist.

Make reading accessible, enjoyable and pressure-free. By demonstrating your own reading habits and celebrating consistent effort, you can help your child build a routine that supports learning across school subjects.