Reading for secondary school age kids

[crappycrapcrap]

My DC have always read (or been read to) before bed - easy routine, both like reading and are very good at it.

DS has started year 7 and I’ve noticed his staying up later and reading less, school reading is not much of a thing. It’s not really an issue as he’s very capable but got me wondering. Do parents still enforce reading as they get older or if it just a preference?

He did really well in his SATS so this gives me a guide that he’s doing well but he’s only 11, I don’t want him to loose the habit or joy of reading but equally, is he too old to be told he has to read?

I don't enforce it but do encourage it by leaving interesting books around/on their bookshelf but never mentioning it. I think at 11 you can recommend books but I have found that my teenagers hear this as bossing rather than enthusiasm. Or my enthusiasm is cringe or something.

Yep that sounds about right…
Pick my battles and all that

By that age they will likely either be a lifelong reader or not. As long as their literacy skills are up to scratch I don't think you can enforce it.
My youngest loved books and still does as an adult.
Elder one never read for pleasure after about age 10 although he did go through a phase around 15 of reading physics books or books about mathematicions.

In all cases I think there's a period of time at school when homework takes over and interest in reading drops off.

Yes that’s true the homework ramps up. There’s a lot on with clubs etc, he’s tired and would rather zone out in front of TV.