Reading with our children is a great way to bond. It helps us to understand them on a deeper level, who they are individually (not just as an extension of ourselves), what they find moving, funny 
or interesting. Movies are fun to watch with our kids too but they don’t offer the same level of emotional investment. Books are the best opportunity we have to get to know these creatures we have created. Getting our children to read can be a huge challenge. Especially for those of us who aren’t avid readers ourselves. However, it is necessary to prepare our kids for their future (and to
pass standardized testing). Since we are all different with different interests you have to find what works for each child and this might change as they grow. But the earlier you start the easier it is. Trust me on this.
Read to your kids
Start this as early as possible. I know the baby will rip the book out of your hands and you may not even know how the story ends until they are four. But keep doing it. Exposure to books teaches even the youngest children that the objects on the page have a meaning and they will love to hear your voice bring a story to life. You might be surprised by how much you both love reading time after a few weeks.
Let your kids see you read
Even if you don’t enjoy reading (think of it like eating your brussel sprouts). Your kids will imitate your behaviors, both good and bad. If they see that you find reading to be a form of entertainment they will believe it is. Someday your kid will tell you how great a book is and ask you to read it too. The bond you share over a great book is wonderful and they will love knowing you enjoyed it too.
Find what interests them
Goldie Hawn’s character in Overboard was on to something when she gave the kid a boobie magazine to read. I wouldn’t go that far but find what your kids are interested in. Don’t torture them
into reading a subject they hate and make them think reading is boring. Children’s books aren’t what they used to be. The industry has evolved into something really wonderful. There are amazing authors (and probably amazing series) in almost every genre. If they love sci-fi movies then chances are they will love sci-fi books too.
When all else fails use humor
All kids love to laugh. Fortunately for us there are many funny children’s series. Junie B. Jones and Diary of a Wimpy Kid are great examples but there are many more out there. If they can enjoy the experience they will want to repeat it.
Make your own books
Create a book with your child, or if they are old enough let them surprise you with their own. Children love to be crafty. Just get some paper and pencil or crayons. Write about what you did that day or make your child a super hero, anything you can think of. And if you can’t think of anything just start the first sentence and ask them what happens next. They will love it and learn about the writing and reading process.
Got to bookstores and libraries
This can be a great way to spend a day indoors. I have yet to see a bookstore or library that doesn’t have a place to sit and read. Let your kids read and look through the books while you have some coffee and relax. Seeing all of the colorful books on the shelves will make the most reluctant child want a book to read.
Comic books
All kids love cartoons and if they can’t quite make the jump to enjoying a book yet, try a comic book with their favorite super hero or cartoon character. Even though they are mostly pictures they still do require reading and will be fun for them.
Set aside time every day
We are all creatures of habit. But in order for reading to become a habit for your children you have to make sure that they do it on a regular basis. Start slow if necessary. Spending just a few minutes a day reading to them, with them, or alongside them will quickly build and become a regular habit that they look forward to, especially if they left off on a good part the day before.
These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Being a good reader will benefit your child immensely no matter what they choose to do with their lives. Being a part of the process will be rewarding for you as a parent and help build your relationship with them. Good luck and enjoy!
Here are some resources for lists of great books to help you get started: