Recently I tweeted, “I can’t think of anything more important for personal development than reading.” Most people mentally assent to that. They know it’s a good habit yet few make time for it or, much less, love it.

Courtesy 123RF/Petro Feketa

We schooled our five children at home. One of the things Gail and I determined early on was to give our kids a love of learning. We knew we could never teach them everything they would need to know to hit their mark in life. But if we could teach them how to learn what they needed, we’d have done them a huge service.

To do that, we had to not only teach them to read but nurture a love of reading.

Whether you homeschool or not, I believe this is every parent’s responsibility. Too many leave this to the school system or the public library’s summer reading program. They can help but it’s not their responsibility. Your children were entrusted to you.

My wife, Gail, is a teacher at heart and by training. I give her credit for what I’m about to share with you. I share these tips now as if they are my own, but I learned them from Gail.

1. Begin reading to your child when young.

When your child is old enough to sit in your lap, begin looking at board books with him. As he gets older, read to him from illustrated books as he looks on.

2. Let your child see you read.

Remember, you cannot lead where you will not go. You cannot teach what you do not know. Your example will have greater impact than anything you tell them to do.

Establish your own routine of reading regularly and let the kids see you reading. You may even consider brief family reading times together where everyone sits down with their own books.

3. Keep books available in your home.

Invest in a basic library of great books for all ages. For toddlers, keep fun board books accessible for them to look at. Simple and classic children’s books like Caldecott Medal Books and Great Illustrated Classics were favorites in our family.

We had our kids sign and date every family-owned book that they read. We still have many of these books and can see all the signatures—sometimes multiple readings by the same child!

4. Regularly visit your public library.

Every week or two, make a family trip to the library. It will expose each child to a world of new books of all types and subjects: sports, world exploration, nature, science, machines, mysteries, puzzles, biographies, how to’s.

This became a very exciting time for our family. We had to put a 10-book limit on each of our children lest we clear out the library in one fell swoop! They would each have their own library bag filled with their own books. And it didn’t cost a thing.

5. As a child learns to read, follow her interests.

The act of reading isn’t what gets readers excited. It’s the content. You have to be interested in what you’re reading.

Most people hate public speaking because they were required as kids at some point to speak on something they had no interest in, knowledge of, or experience with. We do the same thing by forcing kids to read things they aren’t interested in.

Granted, there are books we all need to read in school that are part of a curriculum. But to create a love of reading, children need to be encouraged to read books in their free time on subjects they are interested in.

One of our sons wasn’t that interested in reading. Once we realized his passion for anything with an engine and wheels, we let him read the manuals of things like 4-wheelers, remote-controlled cars, lawn mowers, etc. The goal wasn’t the knowledge—it was to nurture a love of learning through reading.

The library becomes even more exciting for a child once she finds an area of interest. To build the anticipation, you can help her search for library books online and reserve them to be picked up next trip.

6. Set up your own reading reward programs.

Summer reading programs at the library are very effective for one reason—rewards! You don’t have to wait for summer. Create your own reward program at home based on age-appropriate reading goals and rewards that motivate each child.

Kids who have a love of reading are better students at school. And, most importantly, they are equipped with a life skill that allows them to continue to grow and learn whatever the want or need to become the people they were created to be.

Leaders are readers. Help your children hit their mark by giving them a love of reading.