How To Raise Your Children

Many people are illiterate. Even in the US shows that 13 percent of all 17 years old lack the basic skills of reading they need to function daily. Most of these people end up unemployed or underemployed since they cannot fill out a simple application form. People who will never know what it is to read a newspaper or a Bible for themselves.

But you can make a difference – especially in the lives of the children whom you know. These are the seven steps to follow to improve your children’s reading skills and instill in them a love of reading.

Read to your children. This is the most effective way to get your children to read. Not only are the preschool children benefited but also the school-age children as well. Set a regular time where you can read aloud maybe just before bed but don’t make it too long. Ten to 15 minutes will do. Take time to explain new words and pictures too.

Makes book available. Make sure you have a lot of books and magazine for your children to read. Give them to your kids during Christmas, birthdays or special occasions. Make it available anywhere inside your house or in the car. You must have a book shelf and a reading lamp as well. If you can’t afford to buy new books then why not buy it from a garage sales and secondhand bookstores that offer bargains.

Visit the library. Plan frequent visits- not only for books but books on cassette, puzzles,CDs, and every art. If possible talk to the librarian and ask for any help and recommendations.

Be a good example. If your children see you reading then they will most likely follow your example.

Control your Kids Viewing. Television often diminishes child’s creativity and stifles his or her imaginations so set some limits. You don’t have to get rid of your TV entirely though some have benefited from this. But together with your kids, list the shows you want to watch. And make sure the TV’s turned off the rest of the time.

Reward reading. Help your child to have a goal – whether of the number of books he or she wants to read or the amount of time he or she wishes to spend reading. Reward them for meeting their goals. Money for books might be one. Or your child may want to have a nice pizza treat. The best reward you can give to your child is attention.

Support reading program in school. Many schools have reading incentive programs or contests. If your child’s doesn’t have, consider starting one.

Finding time to read with your child and encouraging them to read is not easy, but it’s worth the effort. Reading opens doors to the wonders of the world; you ca visit anywhere, learn anything, and meet anyone through books. When we teach our children a passion for reading, we give them wings to soar to reach their dreams.

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