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Dickson Tumuramye, a parenting coach says, reading boosts language skills, deep understanding, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and intellectual development of children.

For this, he encourages parents to instill a reading culture in their children early enough.

“Initiate the habit of reading storybooks to your children from an early age,” he says adding; “Instead of excessive screen time, allocate time each day to read a page or a short story.”

In the absence of storybooks, magazines, and the Bible offer captivating tales. 
Tumuramye, who is also the founder of the Men of Purpose mentorship program suggests you create a schedule for your kids and be present. 

If one parent is occupied, the other should step in. If both of you are unavailable, then, train the child's caretaker. Soon, the child will fall in love with reading. 

Later, provide picture storybooks to enhance their interpretation skills.  “Children are drawn to more visuals than auditory stimuli,” he says.

Simpson Muhwezi, Literacy development practitioner with Wandiika Literacy Initiative weighs in and tasks parents to be role models for their children by becoming readers themselves.

To him, many parents shun reading yet children emulate what they see the adults around them do, consistently. 

Despite the busy schedules, he advises parents to set aside time to read for pleasure, be it newspapers or magazines. This suggests to their children that reading is valuable and enjoyable.

Meanwhile, for older children, Tumuramye suggests you get for them books that align with their interests. Visit bookstores or libraries together and allow them to choose those that captivate them. 

More to that, a home library will encourage regular reading. Always buy books and stock the library but also libraries outside the home are valuable.

He says, the new lower secondary school curriculum is child-centered and this necessitates fostering independent readers. 

Relatedly, Muhwezi downplays parents’ excuses that books are expensive yet they spend a lot on toys and other luxuries.

“Remember that reading is important for children’s development and creativity. It stimulates the brain, allowing the child to think critically and understand quickly,” he says.

But also, create a conducive environment for reading and ensure that always read with the children. 

A child who reads grows into an adult who reads.