As parents, we all know how important it is to encourage the habit of reading in our children. Books can be a wonderful companion for them, helping them learn new things, explore fantastic worlds and build their imagination.

However, not all children may enjoy reading, and the reason can often be a disinterest in the books they have available. It is crucial to understand your child’s preferences and make sure you are gifting them books that are not just educational but also enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you find out your child’s favorite books and gift them.

1. Observe Your Child’s Interests and Habits

The first thing to do is observe your child and note what interests them or what habits they have.

Do they love animals, adventure, or craft? Do they prefer real stories or fairy tales? Do they enjoy comics, or are they more inclined towards informative or educational books? These observations will give you a sense of what genre and themes your child is likely to enjoy.

2. Ask Your Child’s Opinion on Books

Talk to your child regularly about their favorite books and appreciate them for their choices. Ask them what they liked or didn’t like about a story or character, and that can help you understand their tastes.

Encourage your child to describe their favorite book in detail and tell you why they liked it. Moreover, visit their school or public library regularly and let them choose books that attract them.

3. Read Together and Initiate Discussions

Reading with your child is a great way to bond with them and develop their interest in books. While reading together, initiate discussions on the character development, plot, and themes.

Ask your child to predict what might happen next, and after you finish reading, discuss your child’s opinion on the book and characters. This way, you’ll be aware of your child’s attitude towards different genres and explore different options with them.

4. Participate in Reading Challenges and Contests

There are many reading programs and contests organized by schools, libraries, and publishers worldwide.

Participating in such reading challenges and contests can help your child develop their reading skills, get exposed to different genres, and win exciting prizes. These programs also provide opportunities for kids and parents to interact with the authors and illustrators, which can be a great motivator.

5. Gift Your Child Their Favorite Books

Once you know what kind of books your child likes, surprise them by gifting their favorite books. It could be a birthday present, a reward for their achievements, or an occasional treat.

Currently, there are subscription boxes that curate books based on the child’s age and interests, which can be an excellent choice too. When your child receives a book that they love, it can ignite their passion for reading and create an everlasting memory.

6. Be Open to Your Child’s Changing Preferences

Children’s interests and choices keep evolving, and they might not be too keen on the same books they loved a few months ago. So, be open to your child’s changing preferences and try not to force them to read books they don’t like.

Continue to offer them new genres and themes, and support them in exploring new horizons. The key is to keep the love for reading alive in your child.

The Bottom Line

Every child is unique, and it’s essential to keep that in mind while encouraging their reading habits. The journey to finding your child’s favorite books can be exciting and informative for both parents and children.

With a little effort and patience, you can help your child discover the magical world of books and gift them their favorite ones that would stay with them for life.