Fiction: The Easiest Way to Develop a Reading Habit in Kids

Why introduce fiction to kids early?

Introducing fiction to kids at an early age might be the easiest way to inculcate a reading habit in kids. An article in the Guardian highlighted a 2013 study (Kidd and Castano, published in Science) showing that reading literary fiction improves empathy — a reminder of the importance of reading without restriction.

Should parents push only "good" books?

In our quest to introduce the right books to our kids, we might be leaning towards killing their interest in reading. If there is a book out there and a kid shows interest in it — he should be encouraged to read it. As long as we follow the age-appropriate-material rule, any and all books are worth reading. Many parents force the kids to read classics or a particular author, with no result.

The first step towards developing the habit is to introduce books — and lots of books — to the children. It doesn't matter if the book doesn't have Shakespearean language or a moral to follow; if the story is appealing to the kid, the book is worth reading. If your kid loves "Captain Underpants" books or fancies ghost stories — so be it. For the love of reading, we should be embracing one and all.

What does research say about reading fiction?

Research has shown that reading fiction has immense benefits — one of them being that it helps with creative thinking. People who read fiction are able to empathize better, have a better understanding of people and their environment, and in general are able to cope better in adverse situations.

It is difficult to develop the habit of reading fiction in adulthood — that is why the steps have to be taken when the kids are young, as young as two years old. If the kid is not ready to read on his own, parents should read to them.

Every year, countless children all over the world graduate from high school without developing the love for reading. It's a shame, because reading might be the only way towards knowledge, betterment, and growth.

How can parents build the reading habit?

While encouraging kids to read fiction might be the easiest way to develop the habit, there are a few things parents can do to make reading like second nature:

• Set an example. If the kids see the parents enjoying reading, they will learn to love reading too. There are many parents who never pick up a book but expect the kids to read Dickens and Rowling. Nothing wrong with the expectation — just that the task of teaching kids to read becomes harder. It is never too late to pick up a good habit.
• Keep lots and lots of books within easy reach — whether you like e-books or prefer the standard ones, have lots of books around the house, within easy reach of the kids.
• Visit the library. Make it a weekly activity to visit the library with the kids. It might require special effort in the first few weeks if you are starting out — soon a time will come when the children will be forcing you to take them to the library.

Start early, start soon.