A second factor is availability. Kids need an ever present supply of books if they are destined to read and succeed in school and in life. At home, a collection of books in corners with comfy seating and TV-free quiet time makes concentration and enjoyment possible. These families use books and other print as much as the
toothbrush and the toaster.

Affirmation, the third factor, is especially empowering. Parents and other caregivers give out lots of positive comments to younger people. Grown-ups spend time catching kids being good. They’re specific in their praise, whether it’s about the books kids choose to read, or new ones they try to understand, or about any behaviour unrelated to reading. They give daily feedback, noticing each child’s best traits.

In other families, twice as much criticizing or lecturing is the norm. Over time, “negatives” poison children and give them a “can’t-do” mindset. In contrast, “positives” empower.

Ask

• How would others describe my attitude about reading and books?
• How can I help shape my children’s reading attitudes and behaviours through my actions?
• Do I give specific positive comments to my children about their reading skills and habits?
  

Act

• Brainstorm “positives” you can express. Add a plus sign (+) each time you affirm your child this week. (I like your drawing! Smart choice! What a helper!)
• Monitor and tally up minus signs (-) for each criticism: (That was a dumb thing to do! Don’t talk with your mouth full). Negatives cancel out positive feedback.