Developing a reading routine that fits in your schedule can become really tiring; believe us, we understand the struggle. We also know how important it is to you to instill those good reading habits into your children to help them better their comprehension and learning skills. Therefore, we have come up with a list of 5 things you can do to create better reading habits as a busy family.

Life gets busy, but setting aside time for reading is one of the best things you can do to establish a routine. Whether it’s 15 minutes before bedtime, in the morning, or after school, having a designated reading period makes it a habit. Make a point to emphasize the fact that this time is for reading to help your children better understand when it is and is not time to read. Try turning it into a cozy ritual where you grab a favorite blanket or sit in a special spot to create a relaxing environment where kids can focus on a good book.

Spending a lot of time in the car rushing from soccer practice to dance lessons? Audiobooks are a fantastic way to engage your young readers, especially those who may struggle with traditional reading. Listening to stories with engaging narrators can make stories more exciting and even help with language development and comprehension. Audiobooks are convenient enough that they can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere, whether it’s during car rides or at bedtime. Many libraries even provide free access to audiobooks, making them an accessible option for families. 

Having books readily available makes it easier to squeeze in reading time throughout the day. Keep a small book or books in your backpack, purse, or even the car for the moments when kids might otherwise be on a screen, such as waiting in a restaurant, during a long drive, or while sitting in a waiting room. Having something like a digital book on a tablet or e-reader can also be a great option for reading on the go! Cardinal Rule offers a Kindle version of all its books to make them more accessible to readers. Many libraries also offer online books that can be borrowed and read on an electronic device, making them more accessible. 

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Reading is about more than just looking at words on a page –  it’s about creating an understanding and connecting with the books. Taking time to talk about the books your child reads enhances their comprehension of the story and makes reading more enjoyable. A fun way to discuss the story is following along with one of Cardinal Rule Press’s free readers guides! These guides help children recall the story and its structure, compare characters, and better understand the lessons that the stories are trying to teach. Reading guides like these can be a fun way to discuss and share thoughts and ideas about the book. Having these discussions with your kids enriches the times you spend together reading and makes it a more fun and memorable experience for the whole family. 

Like with everything else, not every child will love the same type of books, so finding stories that truly capture their interest is key. These could be humorous picture books, action-packed graphic novels, adventurous chapter books, or even a fact book about frogs, there is a story for every reader. Let kids have a say in what they get to read; when they are excited about a book, they will be more motivated to read it. It can be hard to find the kind of books your child enjoys and that’s ok! The key is to let them explore and discover what types of books they want to read, and if a book isn’t working, then letting them know that not finishing it is ok too. A great way to find books they enjoy is letting the kids browse at the library and pick books that match their interest, and explore different styles that will make reading feel like an adventure rather than a task. 

At the end of the day, reading should be a joyful experience, not a chore. By making time in your busy schedule and allowing kids to explore different genres, formats, and storytelling styles, we help them develop a love for books that will last them a lifetime. No matter what kind of book they’re reading, encouraging them fosters confidence and curiosity in their reading journey. When kids have fun reading, they’ll keep coming back for more, turning each page with excitement!

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Olivia Agnew is a senior at Northwood University, where she is studying Marketing with a minor in Marketing Communications. In her free time, she can be found reading, watching TV, spending time with friends, or practicing for an upcoming speech competition. 

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