The Number 1 Guide to Help Your Energetic Child Embrace Being Read To

My second child was born running—seriously! Some kids just come into the world with boundless energy. As a speech-language pathologist, I knew the importance of reading to kids from a young age, not just for communication skills but also for developing empathy, patience, vocabulary, memory, and a basic understanding of the world. But how do you get a little mover and shaker to sit still long enough to enjoy a book? Don’t worry, I’ve got some tried-and-true strategies. With these six hints, your energetic child will grow to love being read to, engage more in the process, and maybe even ask you to read together!

1. Start with what captivates them!

Some kids aren’t quite ready for traditional storybooks. If that’s the case, back up a bit and start simpler. Who doesn’t love looking at photos of themselves, family, and familiar places? Create a small photo album as your first "book." No need to get crafty—just grab a cheap 4x6 album from the dollar store and fill it with photos. You can print these at home, at your local pharmacy, or online for next to nothing. Let this personalized photo album be your child’s first "book" experience. They’ll love seeing familiar faces and places, and it’s a great way to introduce the concept of looking at and discussing pictures together.

2. Start small and build from there.

Forget the "go big or go home" mentality. Focus on building your child’s tolerance for sitting and listening. Start with just one minute and praise them for specific behaviors—whether it’s sitting, looking at the book, or listening to you. Gradually add a minute as they get more comfortable. Remember, attention spans are short at this age, and that’s perfectly normal. Here’s a quick guide to keep your expectations realistic:

• 2-year-olds: 4-6 minutes
• 3-year-olds: 6-8 minutes
• 4-year-olds: 8-12 minutes
• 5-6-year-olds: 12-18 minutes
• 7-8-year-olds: 16-24 minutes
  By starting small and gradually increasing the time, you’ll set your child up for success without frustration.

3. Let your child pick the book.

Even if your child picks the same book every time and you’re bored to tears, giving them the power to choose makes them more invested in the reading experience. When children feel in control, they’re more likely to engage and build a positive association with reading. And yes, even if it’s that same dinosaur book for the 100th time, their excitement matters more than your variety!

4. Keep it positive.

It’s easy to get frustrated when reading time doesn’t go as planned, but try to keep things positive. If your child gets up and wanders off, keep reading aloud. They might circle back once their curiosity is piqued. By staying calm and continuing to read, you’re sending the message that it’s okay to take breaks, but reading can still be fun. If they don’t come back, no worries—try again another time. Stick to the time frame based on their age (see Hint #2), and stay patient.

5. Make it fun!

Turn reading into an adventure. Build a blanket fort, turn off the lights and read with a flashlight, or share a favorite snack while flipping through a book together. Adding a little fun helps build a positive association with reading and will keep your child excited about it. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—sometimes changing up the environment or adding a little extra excitement is all it takes to engage an energetic child.

6. Find the right time.

Timing can make all the difference. Observe your child throughout the day and try reading during different times to see when they’re most receptive. It might be first thing in the morning, after lunch, before dinner, or right before bed. Once you find their optimal reading time, stick with it for consistency and success.

Conclusion: You Can Do This!

Not all children are naturally inclined to sit still and enjoy being read to, and that’s okay! With these six hints, you can help your energetic child embrace reading and build a positive relationship with books. Start by creating a simple photo book to capture their interest, keep expectations realistic, and let them take the lead in choosing what to read. Keep things fun and positive, and don’t forget to find the right time of day for reading together. Before you know it, your little one will be asking you to sit down and read with them. You’ve got this!