Books Before Bed? Try These Daytime Hacks Instead
Helping Busy Families Build a Love for Reading
Do you want to read more with your kids at home, but by the end of a long day, you find yourself too tired to read aloud before lights out? You’re not alone! Between work, sports, homework, and household chores, evenings are more packed than ever for parents with school-age kids.
The good news? Reading at home doesn’t have to happen at bedtime.
In fact, setting up simple daytime reading routines can help your child build strong literacy skills without adding stress to your family life.
Today, we’re sharing reading tips for parents who want to make reading feel natural, joyful, and totally doable—no matter how busy the day gets!
1. Rethink Rewards: Make Reading the Prize
Turn everyday moments into reading incentives.
Candy, screen time, and stickers tend to be our go-to motivators—but what if reading time became the reward? Kids love getting "just one more chapter," especially when they’re hooked on a great book.
Try offering extra reading time when your child finishes their morning routine quickly, completes homework without reminders, or helps out around the house. A simple reward like five bonus minutes of reading can turn books into something they want rather than something they have to do.
Not only does this reinforce positive behavior, but it also makes reading feel like a special privilege instead of a chore.
2. Listen on the Go: Turn Car Time into Story Time
Use audiobooks to sneak in extra reading during the day.
Think you’re too busy for reading? Think again! Your commute, errands, or even a drive across town are perfect opportunities to bring stories to life through audiobooks.
“Ear reading” — listening to books rather than reading them visually — is a fantastic option, especially for children with dyslexia. It builds vocabulary, comprehension skills, and a love for stories.
Apps like Libby and Hoopla offer free audiobook downloads through most local libraries. Whether you’re listening to silly adventures or serious classics, you’ll create shared memories and spark conversations—all without adding a single task to your day.
Audiobooks are one of the best daytime reading routines because they fit so naturally into what you’re already doing.
3. Swap Screens for Stories: Books as Babysitters
Replace passive screen time with active story time.
Need a few minutes to prepare dinner or make a phone call? Instead of handing over a tablet, offer your child a stack of books or an audiobook playlist.
Younger kids might enjoy listening to a picture book being read aloud, while older children might dive into graphic novels or magazines. Keeping a “surprise stash” of new titles can make books feel fresh and exciting.
By building this habit, you help your child see reading as an everyday go-to for entertainment—not just something assigned by a teacher.
4. Bring Books to the Table: Reading with Meals
Create special family reading moments during dinner.
Family dinners are a precious time for connection.
Why not make reading part of it once a week?
Bring a book of short stories, jokes, motivational quotes, or even a devotional to the dinner table. Reading aloud for just a few minutes can spark meaningful discussions, laughter, and reflection.
This simple tweak to your routine turns reading into a shared, low-pressure activity—and shows your child that books are a natural part of daily life.
If you’re looking for reading tips for parents that don’t require a huge time commitment, this one’s a win-win!
5. Playdates with a Twist: Visit the Library or Bookstore
Add a literacy spin to social time.
Next time your child has a playdate, plan a quick trip to the library or local bookstore. Browsing books together can make the outing feel special—and might even inspire the kids to read once they get home.
Encourage each child to pick out a book to take home as a “souvenir” of their day. They’ll feel a sense of ownership over their reading choices, which can boost motivation and excitement.
Plus, it’s a great way to build social bonds and good habits at the same time.
6. Create “Drop Everything and Read” Sundays
Start a cozy new family tradition.
Sundays are perfect for slowing down and reconnecting.
Why not create a tradition where everyone in the family picks a cozy spot and reads for 30 minutes?
It doesn’t have to be fancy—blankets, favorite snacks, and good books are all you need. Whether it’s comics, novels, or even cookbooks, giving your child the freedom to choose what they read fosters independence and enthusiasm.
Over time, this will help your child view reading as a relaxing, enjoyable part of their weekend—not another item on a to-do list.
Daytime reading routines like this set a positive tone for the entire week ahead!
At Read Write Learning Center, We’re Here to Help
Making reading fun again—for families like yours.
At Read Write Learning Center, we’re passionate about making reading a joyful part of everyday life.
Whether your child is struggling to decode words or just hasn’t fallen in love with books yet, we’re here to guide you.
Remember: building strong readers doesn’t happen overnight. Small, consistent changes make a big difference over time. If you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to start, our expert team is just a phone call away.
Together, let’s make reading feel less like homework—and more like home.
