Here’s the quiet truth: when your ten-year-old reads about a brave character failing and trying again, they are practicing life. Every book they finish is a small victory for their empathy and attention span. They’re building a library in their head for the harder years ahead.
So make a cozy corner. Let them read under the covers with a flashlight if they want. The goal isn’t to finish a certain number of books; it’s to create a reader who knows that between two covers, they can always find a friend, an adventure, or a new way to see the world.
One last tip: keep a book you love nearby. When they see you reading, it’s not a lecture; it’s a shared secret. And that’s the most powerful magic of all.
