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I often speak to parents* who are concerned that their children don’t read, or don’t read enough. They ask me, ‘Can you persuade him/her to read?’
I do try to persuade all my students to read. Some of them are already keen readers, which is great. However, there are many reasons why today, more than ever, it is easier not to read for pleasure.
Reading for pleasure is important. Many young people, now, read only when and what they are told to. This means they are not getting any practice, and we all know the importance of practice. You would never expect a pianist to play only tunes, and neglect their scales, or a footballer to play only matches, never turning up to practice. Yet reading is a skill just like playing an instrument or a sport, and we need to practise. Reading for pleasure provides this practice. It also benefits us in so many ways, boosting creativity, promoting independent thought and reducing stress.
If our children are not reading for pleasure, and if it would benefit them to do so, how do we change this? As you might imagine, I have lots of tips. One of them is to make it a habit. In order to be able to give more nuanced advice, I have been reading James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits.
This book is easy and enjoyable to read, compassionate rather than critical, and offers an abundance of great advice for those who want to create good habits and decrease bad ones. I heartily recommend it.
What about reading? Well, I am sure we are all familiar with the idea of reading before bed, or on holiday. By the time we are teenagers, however, we might consider reading a bit boring. 21st century teenagers have easy, fun, stimulating alternatives such as social media and video, where as reading might seem more like work.
Well, yes, reading is work. However, so is playing football or even working up the levels in a computer game.
We are willing to work at something if we think it is valuable and if we can incorporate appropriate habits into our lifestyle. I have found that reluctant teenage readers are much more willing to give it a try if they know the value of reading and if they can plan to fit it into their day.
How could your teenager incorporate a little reading into their lifestyle? What would make it easier? (I am all for making things easier!) How could it be rewarding and how could they avoid sacrificing something else that they value?
For lots more ideas, have a look at Atomic Habits. And follow me here and on social media to learn more about my specific advice for developing a reading habit.
Happy reading!
*When I say ‘parents,’ please understand that I am referring to anyone who cares for someone under 18, and is responsible for their education. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, older siblings, guardians, social workers. I am using the term to indicate a parenting role rather than a biological relationship.
