I have to be honest: these days, it feels like we’re competing with YouTube for our kids’ attention. And most days, YouTube is winning. But I’ve learned that building a reading habit for my kids doesn’t have to be a battle. Raising readers in a YouTube world just takes creativity, consistency, and a little bit of strategy.
For example, I let my son start his podcast, Book Bud, as a way to get him reading more. And it worked. He’s more engaged, and now recommends books to other kids. Watching him light up when he talks about stories is everything! I am also not ashamed to admit that sometimes I’ll offer $2 for a finished book or $5 for a stretch book that challenges them a bit more. And if you have a child like my daughter who leans into graphic novels—let them. They are reading, and curious, and that’s the win.
All of this just to say—if you’re looking to make reading a more natural part of your household rhythm (not just another item on the to-do list), I’m sharing are a few habits and routines that have worked for us. Nothing overly structured—just simple ways we’ve made books feel like an everyday joy rather than a task. These are tried and true because trust me when I say, we’ve tried, failed, adjusted, and kept showing up . . . with books in hand.
Habits For Raising Readers in Our Home
Build Reading into the Day (Not Just at Bedtime)
Reading doesn’t have to wait until pajamas and pillows. Some days we read in the car before school, other times it’s for 10 minutes while dinner finishes baking. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s exposure. I keep books in the car, in backpacks, and even in the kitchen nook. They’re part of the furniture, part of the flow.
Let Kids Pick Their Own Books
Kids are way more likely to read if they feel like they had a say in it. My son has discovered his love for spy novels and tech-driven plots because we let him roam the shelves without a lot of rules. I still offer suggestions (and sometimes secretly plant a few picks in the cart), but giving kids freedom builds confidence and ownership.
Model It—Even If It’s Just for Five Minutes
I want my kids to see me reading, even if it’s just a chapter or a few pages while waiting for practice to end. I talk about the books I’m reading, and we’ll even sit together and have quiet reading time side by side. It shows them reading isn’t a task—it’s a lifestyle.
Some Recent Family Favorites (Books + Bookstores)
If you’re looking for some book recommendations for your readers, I have a few to share with you. For books to read together, check out Freewater and The Firefly Summer. My son’s top reads include Spy School and The Wild Robot. And the graphic novels in heavy rotation in our house include Dog Man and The Baby-Sitters Club!
We’re also a family that loves a good bookstore moment. Here are our favorite spots:
Barnes & Noble
It’s a classic. My kids sprawl on the floor, skim covers, and negotiate which books they’re taking home.
Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe | Grosse Pointe Park
A cozy, curated gem with diverse stories and a community vibe we love. We always leave with something unexpected!
Detroit Public Library | Redford + Main Branch
Though these are not bookstores, they are essential to how we read. I gave my son access to my library account so he can search the catalog and put books on hold. It gives him ownership—and he loves it.
And Redford Township Library? It’s not just a library–it’s a whole adventure.
Recently, they gave the children’s floor a serious glow-up. We’re talking turf-covered reading areas, cozy corners, interactive lights, and a space that actually makes kids want to stay awhile. There are climbing structures, spinning chairs, and little nooks where imagination runs wild.
But it’s not just the play zones. Redford has stepped it up with self-checkout stations, a drive-up window (game-changer), and even things like puzzles and games you can borrow—yes, really. What I love most is that it always feels like something’s happening. Whether it’s a storytime, an after-school craft, or a LEGO club, there’s always a reason to stop by.
Reading in our house isn’t perfect or always consistent—but it’s present. I absolutely love building habits that help my kids connect, reflect, and grow—right alongside them. What you have to remember is that every family’s reading rhythm will look different—and that’s okay. The important thing is that our kids know books are always an option. They’re not a punishment or a checklist. They’re a passport to somewhere else. And that, for me, is the ultimate parenting win.
