To worry I’ve destroyed my child’s love of reading

[1jan2020]

My toddler (aged 2.5) used to love reading books together, but ever since he’s started watching TV he’s just not that interested, to the point where he’ll push away books and ask for TV or other toys. He’s engaged in plenty of other activities, like going to the park, art and crafts, Duplo, playdough, playing with his other toys like trains, cars, water table and diggers - but not reading. I’m concerned I’ve destroyed his love of books by introducing screens - I hate to say it but I can see why watching a screen would be far more interesting/stimulating than a book. What can I do?

Maybe just stop watching TV? They don't need it at that age.

I’ve started taking my 3 year old to the local libraries. We choose some books to read together, talk and maybe do some colouring. She loves it! Most of the libraries will have a dedicated children's section, bright and engaging with plenty of options. That might be worth a try.

Ideally he isn't allowed TV (or any screens) for the 2 hours before bed if following the advice for good sleep health, which is also the time books are read in many families - is he not interested in a cuddle plus story or two before bed?

If you are concerned, just stop letting him have the TV on.

Or put in a structure where he gets TV for 10mins at a set time, lunch time maybe after book time.

They’ll come back to reading, don’t worry. Just keep offering, getting books out and showing them pictures. Like PP says visit the library. Don’t worry, they go through phases with books I think

Have tv time but offer books when tv is off? Also libraries often do story time. And maybe get some favourites- familiar characters etc. do you do a book at bedtime?

Definitely second the library. My DD hates reading as she is dyslexic & has ADHD but I always big the library up as a treat, they have a book train to climb on, colouring, all sorts. I let her go back and forth from book to activity/climbing on the train, and she actually gets through books there, more than at home. We’ve also got to know the librarian who sometimes lets her help with scanning things. Anything to make books more fun, here!

(plus your LO is tiny. You never know how much they’ll get into books once they can actually read independently, there’s something really freeing about choosing and reading your own book when you’re a kid who can read for yourself)

I think the way to really ruin a child’s love of dancing is to force reading on them. Limit TV to reasonable time limits, provide plenty of fun books, and let the child go to the books.

Love of reading. What a weird autocorrect.

Let him see you reading! :)

Reading was always part of bedtime routine, so it's set in stone. other reading during the day is supplementary.

Library visits etc help. Have books in rooms where tv isn't and they look at them when it's not on.

Maybe you need some different books. 2.5yrs is about when they move onto slightly longer books. As others say maybe try the library.

Let the child choose library books.

Turn off the TV, this is the simplest issue to fix! You can switch off the plug and then tell them it is 'broken'.

Okay, I think you might be right. We turned off the TV this evening and said it’s reading time now - then read about 6 short books together which he seemed to enjoy!

Does anyone else have a 2.5 year old? What books are they into? I’m concerned the ones we have may be too young for him now.

No tv but free to choose a book and have a cuddle

Anything with lots of pictures and fun stories is fine at 2.5 - the big picture books they have in the library - let them choose a bagful, get really excited about going.

Are those lift the felt flap books too young for a 2.5 year old? Or are they still okay?

To give an example - books like Tabby McTat don’t seem to hold his attention enough yet. He gets bored after about 5 or 6 pages.

Stop watching TV. Start reading a story at bedtime every night.

You can start getting longer stories for him now, it will be good for him to listen to the flow of you reading. Making stories a solid part of the bedtime routine is a good way to keep it going even on busy days.

Turn off the TV?

Try books like Dear Zoo, Fox in Socks, Hungry Catterpillar?

You haven’t ruined it but out strict limits on it. Ours gets switched of and my 3 and 6 year old pick a book from the selection we keep downstairs and we cuddle up and read it. TV at bedtime is only for a sat night normally and the rest of the week is stories. I agree with other posters about the library. Scotland does book bugs which is great for little ones and free.

At that age just go with it - it is natural to have a short attention span - just move on to the next book. We used to have a heap of books and read whatever they wanted - sometimes it is two pages of each, sometimes it is the same one over and over (until you want to rip it up and burn it)

At 2.5 you have to stop worrying about the content and just enjoy the process/shared experience.