How to Foster a Love of Reading in Children – Tips from LitKid
Reading to children is one of the most effective ways to nurture their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Lile Kvirtia, co-founder of LitKid, emphasizes that reading is more than a source of knowledge—it’s a shared experience that creates a strong emotional bond between parent and child.
Why start reading before birth?
Lile points out a simple but powerful truth: a love of books begins in the womb. When parents read or speak to their unborn child, the baby’s brain starts recognizing language patterns. After birth, hearing the parent’s voice not only soothes the child but also boosts vocabulary and helps them make sense of the world around them.
This is why selecting a child’s first books should consider more than just age. Soft, colorful, and sensory books engage babies emotionally while fostering language and sensory skills.
It’s okay if your child “mishandles” books
Many parents worry when their child tears, throws, or chews books. But as Lile explains, this is a natural part of development:
"A child first connects with a book through touch. This early interaction is the foundation of their love for reading."
Let children explore books freely, and choose sturdy, safe options designed for ages 0–3.
Five essential themes for a child’s library
Rather than following a “universal book list”, it’s more important to focus on themes that help children understand the world. Lile Kvirtia identifies five key areas:
1. Environments
Books that depict everyday life with realistic images help children connect words to the world around them. Seeing familiar objects—like tables, chairs, or cars—helps them learn new vocabulary and concepts naturally.
2. Fairy tales
Stories spark imagination, encourage creativity, and help children explore emotions. Fairy tales for kids show that challenges can have solutions, often in magical and unexpected ways.
3. Everyday skills
Books that teach hygiene, independence, and social adaptation prepare children for life at home and school. They promote responsibility, healthy habits, and emotional resilience.
4. Moral foundations
Stories about kindness, empathy, and understanding others foster emotional intelligence. They teach children to care for and accept others, shaping a compassionate personality.
5. Family and relationships
Books about love, friendship, and social connections help children recognize and express feelings. They learn to share emotions, show gratitude, and build warmth in family and social relationships.
Reading together strengthens bonds
Parents sometimes think that once a child can read independently, shared reading is no longer necessary. Lile reminds us that this is when reading together becomes even more meaningful:
"Learning to read doesn’t mean it’s time to stop reading aloud. These moments create the strongest emotional connection between parent and child."
Reading together improves attention span, speech, and self-esteem, while also signaling safety and love.
Choosing books by age:
- 0–1 year: colorful, sound, and sensory books;
- 1–3 years: illustrated books with simple, lively text;
- 3–5 years: short fairy tales and stories exploring emotions;
- 5+ years: educational and adventure books that expand imagination.
Ultimately, everything begins with the parent’s voice—reading even before birth. These first words form lasting memories and the foundation of a lifelong love of books.
