Dads Need to Read to Their Kids Too

As a teacher, I ask my students’ parents to read with their kids every night.  It’s the only homework I assign.

As a parent, I practice what I preach.  I read to my kids every night.  So does my wife (also a teacher).  We are fortunate to have jobs that provide us with free evenings and weekends.  Another perk to being teachers is having unlimited access to entertaining and/or educational books.

Often, if both parents are present, one parent usually takes on the home reading and that parent is usually mom.  Dads who haven’t stepped up yet, I am pleading with you to break the stereotype and show your kids that guys read.

Both parents don’t need to read to their kids every night (although that isn’t a bad idea) but they should take turns.  Sharing the role as home-reader-leader sends a powerful message to children: we value reading.

There is overwhelming evidence proving the undeniable benefits of home reading.  If you have the time, please make the time to read with your kids.