Parents become apprehensive when their children learn a new skill after another. It is either because their children are growing up too fast or that their children did not really quite practice the skill good enough. Initially, it will show delays and need improvement during the first few months but with constant practice and guidance, it isn't impossible to lead and get them into the habit. The same application to reading should apply, they learn these through baby steps which parents will start to nurture during the earlier stages of development. Check these tips to understand when your children should start, what your role is as a parent and what are recommended ways to nurture the hobby.

The best time is always now. Even a few months old can be read a short story. Most mothers even start when their kids are still in their tummy. Continue this good practice and observe how they start to react to your facial expressions. They develop the ability to listen as early as their 4th month. About six months, they enter the oral stage and they can be distracted to put the book inside their mouth. To overcome that will need you to be more creative, allow them to use a teether and position behind them with your hands encircling him to encourage bonding.

From their 8th to 12th month, they show a number of improvements like increased attention span, pointing pictures on the book or uttering the animals' sounds. Make reading a constant part in their daily routine but not in a way of making it a requirement. Parents should be artful to invite their children to initiate reading or playing with the book. By the time they turn two, three and four, they should feel more comfortable with books around them. They should have been familiar with old books and show interest on new ones. When starting them with letters, use cards, pictures or shaped letters. This time, you should have more books so your child can find an interesting book over another.

Taking them regularly to the library is another way to introduce the approach of reading. Bring them to where books are put on garage sale. Read to them in different tones of voice, unique expressions and identifiable feelings. Talk to them about their readings and treat their opinions as that of an adult. Respecting their say on things will earn them the confidence and of course, you can add or provide corrections when necessary. When they ask you questions, answer them straightforwardly and if you need to refer to a book, then it will encourage them to do the same later on.

Among the best tips perhaps as many parents would agree is role modeling. Setting an example always works as a win-win solution and showing this with consistency in words and actions will help them understand that you are serious about it even if you inject something fun every time you read with your kids. It won't take an overnight to see results. It will take time so parents need a little more patience.