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Getting teenagers to read can seem a daunting task. The latest Xbox or PSP has got them hooked, or the "homework" that seems to last into infinity. But getting them to pick up a book is a lot easier than it sounds. Here is a step to step guide on how to get your teenager to read. Reading brings on a happier lifestyle and can boost confidence as well as building vocabulary.

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An editor has suggested that this article be merged with:
"How to Encourage a Teen to Read"


Per the merge policy, if these topics are determined to be similar but distinct, then the articles will remain separate. Please comment on the discussion page. Notice added on 2013-12-28.

EditSteps

  1. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 1.jpg
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    Figure out what time is best for your teenager to read. You could look at their school homework timetable if they have one and work out which evening they have the least amount of work to do. Make sure that your teenager is not going to an out-of-school club that evening - they will not want to sit down to a book after a tiring evening at Scouts.
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  2. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 2.jpg
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    Buy your teenager a new set of books. Research book lists for teenagers - series like The Chaos Walking Trilogy and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy are suitable for both boys and girls. If you know that your teen will never sit down to a book consider buying them an electronic reader like an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite to encourage them to read. Make sure though, that the electronic device you buy can only be used to read like the Paperwhite (which also gives rewards for reading) otherwise they could pretend to read and actually be playing video games.
  3. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 3.jpg
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    Give the book to them as a surprise present. They might really appreciate what you are giving them and need no more prompting to read it!
  4. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 4.jpg
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    Provide encouragement. If your teenager has decided to start reading from then then keep encouraging them to continue. Sign them up to your local library and use research you did before to suggest a good night to drop in. Buy them books whenever they stop.
  5. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 5.jpg
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    Seize opportunities. If they seem unimpressed then whenever you see them not doing anything constructive, encourage them to pick up one of the books you bought. If they say they don't want the book then take them out shopping to a bookstore and get them to pick out a book that they really want to read.
  6. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 6.jpg
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    Provide incentives. If none of this works you can try and use reading as an incentive. Give them rewards for every book they read - money if you can. When you are going away on holiday get them to choose a book to bring with them to read.
  7. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 7.jpg
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    Consider punishments. If they still refuse then you could use reading as a punishment. This doesn't work for everyone but some people find that when your teen messes up, you can tell them to go to their room and read. They might start to really enjoy the book, and then you can ask if they would like other books by that author.
  8. Get Your Teenager to Read Step 8.jpg
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    Never give up. It may seem a relentless task, but they will eventually begin to read more often.
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EditTips

  • If your teenager likes the prospect of reading, then ask them to ask their friends what they read. That way your teen can feel like they fit in, as they will read the same books as their friends.
  • If you are taking your teenager out to buy a book take your other kids too so that your teen does not feel pressured into reading. Then they can all have fun finding a new book.
  • Around their birthday or Christmas talk to them about what they want you to buy. If they don't have any ideas suggest looking on Amazon for book ideas.

EditWarnings

  • Don't make it clear you have taken up the task of making them read.
  • Don't be irritating. Teenagers are very emotional, so take the persuading easy otherwise they could purposely not read books.
  • Don't force your teenager to bring books to school. They might be self conscious around their friends.

Article Info

Categories: Merge | Family Life | Raising Teens

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