Did you know that babies who are read to every day hear 290,000 more words by age five than babies who aren’t? 😮 That number blew my mind as a Westminster Motherhood Photographer. Just one short book a day adds up fast (Ohio State University).

Reading to your kids helps grow their brain, build their focus, and teach them how books and language work. 

But it’s not just about learning! It shows kids books are fun, not just school stuff. It makes reading feel normal, easy, and part of everyday life.

If you’ve been meaning to read more but just can’t make it stick, this post will help. I’ll show you how to keep it simple, fit it into your real life, and actually enjoy it.

Make It Easy with Habits and Book Spots

One of the best ways to read more is to connect it to something you already do. This is called a “habit stack.” For example:

Read during breakfast or snack time

Keep a book in the bathroom for potty time

Read after brushing teeth at night

Another easy tip is to put books in places where your kids hang out. Try keeping books near the couch, in the car, in their bed, or even in the diaper bag. When books are nearby, you’ll read more without even thinking about it.

Also consider changing the books every week. You can keep a small basket just for books that feel new and exciting. When it’s easy to grab a book, it’s easier to build the habit!

We had a book basket in almost every room of our house and one in the car!

Reading Can Look Different Every Day

Reading doesn’t have to mean storybooks before bed. There are lots of ways to build your child’s language and reading skills that don’t feel like reading at all!

Here are some fun ideas:

• Play an audiobook in the car or while folding laundry
• Read signs, cereal boxes, or recipe steps out loud
• Ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you find the red ball on this page?”
• Pick books you enjoy reading (like your favorite books when you were a kid)

Reading time should feel fun, not forced. If your child sees that you enjoy it, they’ll be more likely to enjoy it too. 

I love babysitter club or goosebumps as a kid growing up. My son currently love choose your adventure books.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect to Count

You don’t need a fancy routine to start reading to your kids. You don’t even need quiet! Kids still learn even if they’re standing up, wiggling, or playing nearby. You can read while they’re eating a snack, taking a bath, or riding in the car. It all counts.

Many parents think reading has to be a calm, sit-down activity. But the truth is, kids can learn from just hearing your voice, even when they’re moving around. 

The more often you read, the more they learn. And it doesn’t have to be every day. Even a few times a week helps your child learn new words and focus longer.

Don’t worry if you miss a few days (or weeks) you didn’t mess it up. Just start again. Reading is like building blocks each time you do it, you’re adding another block. Little by little, it makes a big difference.

Here’s the truth: even if the only time your kid gets read to is when Ms. Rachel is on or it’s storytime at the library once a month, you’re still doing great.

This isn’t about reading perfectly every night. It’s about building a habit that feels doable. And even just 2–3 times a week can help your child learn more words and build a love for books that lasts. So if you’ve been feeling behind, take a deep breath. Start small. One book in the car, one page at lunch. It all counts!

I hope reading 3 Surprising Ways to Make Reading to Your Kids a Habit | Westminster Motherhood Photographer has given you some solid ideas! If you’re still looking for a  Westminster Motherhood Photographer, click here to see my portfolio of motherhood images.