getting them to read

[Maddy]

I really want my kids to read more, but right now they spend way more time than I would like them to playing games on the computer or on the playstation. My ex was always much more lax with this and now that he's gone, I'd like to try and cut down their game time. Any ideas?

[Gasolina]

My kids have 1 hour per day of "screen time". It can be used for TV, video games, gameboy, or (non-homework related) computer time. They can use it however they want. I make an exception if we rent a movie on the weekend to watch together.

My kids read a lot. We go to the library every couple of weeks to take out books, and the librarians make really good suggestions. I am also a reader, so it's what they see as "normal".

We also like to play outside (volleyball, badminton, frisbee, bike rides, cross country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as tending our vegetable garden). My son also is a woodworker, and my daughter draws manga.

My kids are 13 and 17, and the 1 hour rule has been in place from the beginning. I've always thought that an hour or so is plenty of time staring at a screen - and more than I do myself.

[amanda]

Mine aren't reading yet, but I have been reading a really great book that talks about how it's very important to read to your kids, yourself. Don't just read children's books, either. They can start to hear more complex stories fairly early.

[Ludwig]

I would recommend reading them a book that has lots of drawings or images. Most kids will get bored if the book we are reading has only letters and no illustrations. Getting them to read will not help either because they only want to listen when they are still young.

I forgot to ask the ages of your children? If they are starting to read then you should read with them. If they are pre-adolescents then I think scheduling activities is the best way to go.