How Do You Raise a Child Who Truly Loves to Read? A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Lifelong Readers

Introduction:
Remember the first time your toddler pointed to a picture book and asked you to read it—again and again and again? Those cuddly moments under a blanket, with a storybook and sleepy eyes, are more than just bedtime rituals. They’re the seeds of a lifelong love for reading. But how do we, as parents, keep that spark alive in today’s screen-heavy world? Let’s talk about nurturing not just little readers, but children who want to read—on their own, with joy.

1. Start Early, Start Small

Babies may not understand every word, but they thrive on rhythm, voice, and closeness.

• Read aloud every day—even if it’s just for 5–10 minutes.

• Board books with textures, flaps, and bright illustrations are perfect for infants.

• Don’t worry about finishing the story—follow their cues and curiosity.

Tip: Sing-song rhymes and simple Tamil lullabies or stories like "Tenali Raman" tales can be a beautiful introduction to storytelling.
“Katha solla poren, ketkave illa!” – “I came to tell a story, but no one’s listening!” Don’t let that happen to your little one!

2. Make Books Part of Their World

Children mimic what they see. If books are visible and valued at home, they’ll naturally reach for them.

• Keep age-appropriate books in every room—even in the car!

• Let them flip through books on their own, without always needing supervision.

• Set up a cosy reading nook—soft cushions, a basket of books, and maybe a Nesavu throw!

3. Let Them Choose (Even If It’s the Same Dinosaur Book for the 12th Time)

Giving kids the freedom to choose builds a sense of ownership.

• Visit libraries or bookstores together and let them pick what they like.

• If they’re drawn to comics or picture-heavy books, that’s perfectly okay.

• Rereading favorites helps with vocabulary, memory, and emotional bonding.

Parent Insight: “My daughter practically memorized her elephant storybook, but the joy on her face each time I read it? Worth every repetition.”

4. Connect Reading to Real Life

Bring stories to life with conversations and experiences.

• Read a book about Indian festivals, then dress them in a traditional frock for Pongal or Deepavali to match the theme.

• If they love animal stories, visit a local zoo or park and spot those animals.

• Cooking a recipe together from a storybook? That's real-life learning.

Soft Plug: Our Nesavu collection often features designs inspired by Indian tales, nature, and culture—perfect for storytelling and photo moments.

5. Be Their Reading Role Model

Children notice everything. If they see you reading—be it books, magazines, or even recipes—they understand reading isn’t just for school.

• Make “reading time” a family routine—even 20 minutes before bedtime.

• Share what you’re reading with them: “Amma is reading a book about a clever princess today!”

• Don’t push—celebrate progress, not perfection.

Conclusion:

Raising a child who loves to read doesn’t require fancy books or perfect pronunciation—it just needs love, patience, and shared moments. Whether it's a silly rhyme, a festival story, or a tale from grandma’s childhood, every story shared is a thread in the fabric of your child’s imagination.

Let’s nurture curious minds, one page at a time.

Explore books, traditions, and outfits that spark joy—start with our ethnic wear for toddlers.
Because childhood is a story worth dressing up for.