Husbands Need Reading Aloud to be Fun

Submitted by Kelli M
Tags:

Parents

When our first child was born 4 years ago I worried my husband was too boring when, and if, he would ever read to her. He didn’t bring stories to life at all and was never enthusiastic about reading time. What I finally recognized is that my husband and many other dads out there simply don’t enjoy reading aloud; however, they will do it because they love their children and have fun spending time with them.

It follows that perhaps said dads might read more with their children if the fun factor were increased a notch or two.

6 Things a Wife Can Do

So, here are some ways to make it more fun for the man of the house to happily belly up to the bookcase:

Take the pressure off and let reading time just be about fun.
Welcome unconventional “Dad only” reading materials such as the sports section, comic books, or your child’s favorite website.
Give Dad a reading sabbatical and instead plan a Dad-sponsored trip to the library.
Remind him reading is about more than just words on the pages of a book – there are cereal boxes, street signs, DVD covers, instruction sheets for their favorite toys, and more.
Encourage Dad to skip the books now and then and just spend time making up silly stories with the kiddos.
Suggest that he turn the tables and invite the little ones to “read” their favorite books to him – doesn’t matter if they can actually read or not.

Over the Years

Over the years, I have watched my 4-year-old daughter and now my 2-year-old son look forward to reading time with their Daddy, and it warms my heart. My husband did not become an extraordinary storyteller; he developed a fun and loving relationship with his children, so they love spending time together.

So, dads may not always be the best and most enthusiastic readers. However, modeling superb reading skills and being great storytellers is not really why we should want dads to read with their children. The best reason in the world for dads to read with their children is because they love them and because it’s fun. So, let's help all those great dads who love their children find ways to make reading more fun for himself and the kids. After all, FUN is what reading should really be about, and dads are usually pretty good at having fun once they find it.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

Flag as offensive

Mike's Welcome Video:

We are a community based blog for parents, librarians, and teachers. We provide information and support through articles, videos, interviews, and our forum.

RSS Feed

Testimonials

"As a writer and mother of three sons, I was delighted when I discovered Getting Boys to Read." - Jayne, mother/writer in South Carolina

"GettingBoysToRead.com has been an inspiration and a form of support to me, not only as a reading teacher but as a parent of a son who needed reading encouragement." - Judith, teacher in Tennessee

"Your site rocks! Congrats and keep up all of the great work!" - Stacey, teacher librarian in New York

"I wrote your website address on my summer reading list. I hope parents are going to be as enthusiastic as I am when you gave it to me. Good luck." - Sophie, school librarian in New Jersey

"Our son just turned 13 and used to read but seems like it is more of a chore now...thanks for all the great articles. Our goal now is to find some books that are interesting to him and get him back on the right track!" - Cherie, mom in Pennsylvania

"I have now bookmarked GettingBoysToRead.com as one of my favorite library/reading/book related websites." - Rory, teen librarian in Nebraska

"I signed up to "Gettingboystoread" today. What a fantastic site!" - Sade

I think your site sounds very interesting and necessary. - Danielle

Hey Mike! We love to read!! My 4 kids love to read, too.. Although different ways and interests...My 8yo stays late at night just to finish a book he's totally into! Great idea and purpose!

It's a great website and especially helpful for me and my 2 year old son. - Angel

I couldn't stop reading your page- that is fabulous what you do! My son was not originally a reader and I switched him into a magnet school. It has changed him and now that he is entering middle school he made all of the honors classes. I know what you do makes a difference! - Jill

Thanks for the GREAT work you're dooing for kids!! Particularly BOYS. - Sue

Hi Mike, I'm a children's book author and a mother of a 1st-grade boy. I've been following your tweets for awhile and love them. Please keep up the good work! - Laurie

As a former reading teacher, I applaud you. Keep up the good work. - Kim

I am very impressed with your website. It's great to see how varied this incredibly important topic can be presented to parents, community, boys and educators. - Alexa

I am very interested in your blog and will be checking it out. I am a mother to 3 girls and 1 boy. My girls and I love to read, but my husband is not much of a reader and the little guy is already proving to not care for "storytime". I am hoping to someday "convert" my husband to reading and I hope my son will also turn out to be a reader. Anyway, I look forward to reading your tips. - Danielle

I have a 9 year old boy that I currently homeschool. I looked at your site and I joined! Loved it! I think you are really filling a need. - Richele

Hi Mike - Great mission! I have two boys, a mom who's an early childhood literacy specialist, so I know the work you're doing is SO important! Rock on. - Liv

Your blog is great! I know lots of parents who are struggling to get their boys to read...hiring tutors, etc. mixed success. I don't know of any blogs like yours. - Christina

You give me hope. My son hates to read and it has been a struggle. Thanks! - Katherine

Getting boys to read is a particular passion of mine, so it was fun to visit your site. - Bridget

I love the concept behind your blog. Fantastic book reviews focused on encouraging boys to read! - Dolly

I have two boys,still younger now, but one coming up on the age of learning to read. I look forward to viewing your site and getting ideas to help!! Thank you!! - Reannon

I think your website ROCKS!- Tara

It's great to see that someone is caring about what boys read and learn. - Sue

Great site Mike. Boys and school/reading IS such an adventure!! They certainly are wired differently than girls. I've actually found it easier to teach my boys to read, but harder to get them to really love to read for enjoyment. Best of luck to you. - Michelle

Sounds like you're doing some great work! What a great cause... looking forward to connecting, just added you on Twitter - Rebecca

I love your site.Great stuff. I have 2 boys and I love the crusade to get boys to read. Keep up the good work! See you on fb too. - Nora

I'd love to network with you. Reading is a favorite pastime with my boys, and I'd love to share tips to help other moms assist their little ones in knowing the love of reading. -April

I love your blog and you are doing something really important like the awareness of reading , keep it up. - Angela

Wow! What an Awesome sight! I have 3 boys and 1 girl and for the life of me, I just realized Boys def. need more tools and encouragement to read than Girls. What a very useful page you have going! Kelleye

pim links

Popular Content

Today's:

All time:

Last viewed:

Most Discussed

Husbands Need Reading Aloud to be Fun

Testimonials