My sneaky hacks turned my kids into a page-turning machine (plus, the ultimate 2024 summer reading list!)

Picture this: Your kid, voluntarily putting down the tablet and picking up a book. No, you’re not dreaming - this is real life, and I'm about to spill the magical beans on how I made it happen. Buckle up, because this hack is about to change your family's summer! 🎢📚

The Accidental Bookworm Hack: How It All Began

So there I was, trying to get my 8-year-old kid to read something - anything - that wasn’t a caption in a youtube video. And then, like a bolt of lightning, it hit me... it’s time to get creative and intentional! Here’s what I tried. Some ideas worked, others, not so much. But it may work for you! 🤷‍♀️

1. 🎭 Creative Voices Hack: I started reading aloud, using ridiculous voices for each character even when it doesn’t make sense. Suddenly, my kid was begging for “just one more chapter” of Mom’s Wacky Story Hour.

2. 🕵️‍♀️ The Mystery Book: I “accidentally” left an enticing book lying around, its cover strategically visible. This did not work as the kids just pushed it aside.

3. 🍽️ The Dinner Table Challenge: We started having discussions at dinner around books. Before I knew it, my kid was getting up to pull out what we’re talking about just to join the conversation!

4. 📚 A Forbidden Bookshelf: I created a “grown-ups only” section in our bookcase. Never underestimate the power of reverse psychology! He definitely got curious!

5. 🎬 The Movie Deal: “Sorry, kiddo. We can't watch the movie until you've read the book!” (Cue the speed-reading montage).

The “Mom, Can We Go to the Bookstore?” 2024 Summer Reading List

Now that you've started to create a book monster, here’s what to feed them!

For the 5-8 year old bookworms:

For the 8-12 Gang:

Remember, fellow reading conspirators, this hack isn't just about tricking kids into reading - it's about opening up whole new worlds for them. And hey, if it means a little peace and quiet for us parents, that's just a bonus! 😉