Here are some ideas on how to use that influence to get your child excited about reading:



Take turns reading aloud with your child. By taking turns reading and discussing the passages, you will be able to determine your child's level of comprehension. And then there is the added benefit of sharing quiet, quality time with your child.
Offer an incentive program. One idea is to allow your children to stay up an extra 30 minutes past bedtime, provided their time is spent reading.
Read on the go. Play a word game in the car. Each person takes a turn reading as many words as he can from street signs, billboards, store names, garage sale signs, etc. The player reads the words aloud as quickly as he can. It's a fun exercise and even though it's not a book, it gets kids reading.

Read cookbooks, food labels, instruction pamphlets. This kind of "practical" reading helps children connect reading with hands-on learning. It helps them to realize that reading is a normal part of their day-to-day routine.

Get a magazine subscription for your child. There are numerous magazines that are targeted to young kids and preteens. They cover a wide variety of topics from history and science to games and animals.

Be a reading role model. Let your kids see you read. Read anywhere--the airport, bus stop, doctor's office, swimming pool, etc. If they see you reading for enjoyment, they will want to read, too.