Do you have a child who is relentlessly on the go? Who refuses to slow down long enough to sit and read with you? Who seems to think books are to be used as stepping stones? No problem! I know it’s been hard on you and you’ve tried so many things. But giving up is not an option. It is absolutely necessary that we read to our children daily. This one act can determine your child’s entire future, and I want to help you make it as bright as possible. 

 In my experience, finding those few moments throughout the day where he is confined to a particular space is key. That way you don’t have to go chasing after him and waste your energy. It’s okay if he is occupied with something else. The point is simply for him to be able to hear you reading. The artwork in picture books is often lovely, amusing, and can deepen understanding of the story, but isn’t absolutely necessary for your child to achieve literacy. Reading, however, very much is.

Pottytime

While your child is on the pot waiting for the magic to happen, sit down next to him. Help the time go by with a great book. Chances are he’ll be more likely to stay on the potty. And the distraction from reading might take the pressure off and help move things along. If you can stand the stench, the reward will be doubly worth it! (In with the good, out with the bad, as they say.)

Mealtime

Another great time to read to your busy little one is while he is sitting in his highchair. It is helpful if he is able to feed himself. If not, you might need someone else to do the feeding so you can do the reading. That way both body and mind are nourished simultaneously. If you’re on your own, you might need to get creative!

In the Car

When you’re stuck in the school pick-up line, you likely have your young child with you. Even better, he is strapped in his carseat. He is not going anywhere! So pull out your bag of books and put on a lively show. (If you have other pressing tasks you need to address, make sure you at least have a dynamic book on tape for your child.) The time will fly by for you both. And you will have spent it the best way possible. This also works when waiting for sports or band practice to finish up, when stuck in traffic, or waiting to pick up your take out order.

In the Playpen

With your child conveniently corralled inside a playpen, I’m sure you have a million things you need or want to do. That’s to be expected. But please take a few minutes first to read to your child. Make it your number one priority, especially if this is the only way your child allows you to read to him. That small investment of time will pay off in spades.

If all else fails, pick any time your child is busy playing with his favorite toys. He will be focused on what he’s doing, but the sound of your reading aloud will still enter his adorable little ears. And if he’s truly not interested in what you’re reading, use that to your favor! Pick the latest novel you’ve been wanting to read and go for it. Hearing the rich descriptive language, the back-and-forth dialogue, and the inflection in your voice will certainly do the trick.

What else have you found to be effective when reading with your busy child?