5 Ways to Use Role Models and 'Influencers' to Inspire Your Child to Read
Children often look to the people they admire, whether family, celebrities, or teachers, to shape their interests and habits. Draw upon the power of these 'influencers' to turn reading into an exciting and social activity that feels relevant to their world.
1. Enlist your "real-life" influencers
Sometimes a child needs to hear it from someone other than Mum or Dad. Grandparents, favourite aunts, or family friends can be incredible "reading influencers." Ask a relative to read to your child, tell them about a book they loved at their age, or give them a book with a personal note inside. When a person they admire values reading, they will too.
Parents (& grandparents!) say:
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I wrote and illustrated a one off book for my grandson. He returns to it time and time again.
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I live with my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, all of whom are avid readers. My granddaughter was read to by all of us before she could read herself.
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I read nursery rhymes to my grandchildren every evening
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Reading is very much a part of our everyday lives. My granddaughter who is 11 loves reading because her parents and grandparents started reading to her at bedtime from birth!
2. Follow their heroes
If your child has a cultural hero, use that as a bridge! Many icons, like Taylor Swift, are vocal about their love for books and even include literary references in their lyrics. Pointing out that their favourite singer, athlete, or YouTuber is a reader helps shift the narrative. If Taylor Swift has a "favourite books" list, your child might just find their next obsession there.
Children's and teen books recommended by Taylor Swift
3. Build a bridge with teachers
Your child’s teacher is one of the biggest influencers in their daily life. Don't be afraid to ask them what themes are sparking interest in the classroom or which books are currently "trending" among the students. When the reading they do at home matches the buzz at school, it feels less like homework and more like being part of a club.
4. Create social reading moments
Encourage your child to talk about books with their friends. You could suggest a book swap instead of a playdate, or simply ask, "What are your friends reading at the moment?" When reading becomes a topic of conversation in their social circle, it's less of a solitary 'chore' and more a way to connect with their peers.
Parents suggest:
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Have book clubs, it’s also an opportunity to meet other children to share their experiences. We attend a reading club in a local bookshop.
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A family book club might be helpful with everyone reading the same book to share with the family. Find books on subjects they are interested in. Young teen adventures or books about famous people might be of interest.
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Start a family book club which involves in-person meet time and can be outside of immediate family members, making meeting up fun like hot chocolate evenings and creating memories.
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Parents and kids read together then discuss in guided sessions. This builds connection and models reading as a shared joy and kids love hearing what other kids are reading.