Don’t think that your toddler doesn’t enjoy reading just because they won’t sit still for a story. It’s perfectly normal for squirmy babies or active toddlers to struggle with sitting still for any length of time. It’s hard for little ones to stay in one place for long, now that they can explore their world in so many new ways – by running, jumping and climbing. So, an adult’s idea of snuggling on the couch to hear a story may not be the same idea a toddler has for story-time. You may only be able to read or talk about a few pages in a book at a time, or continue to read even as they move about the room.

Here are some ways to engage active children in reading:

• Find times for reading that works for your family; before bed or meals, while doing chores, etc. Read a book at snack times when your child may be more likely to sit for longer.
• Each child listens and enjoys books in their own unique way.  Some can sit still, while others cannot. Try Offering your child a small toy to hold in her hand—such as a squishy ball—to keep her attention and to allow their body to move while you read.
• Read in a dramatic fashion with voices to make the story more interesting (raising or lowering pitch, volume, or add sound affects). exaggerate your voice and actions. This can often keep toddlers interested. 
• Get your child active and moving by encouraging her to join in on familiar phrases or words, act out an action in the story, or find objects on the page. These “activities” can help their attention stay focused. In predictable stories, allow the child to finish the rest of the sentence or poem.  Have them guess the rhyming words.
• Try books that invite interaction from the child, such as pop-up books, touch-and-feel books, and books with flaps and hidden openings for them to explore. Engage your child with questions as you go: “What do you think will happen next?”  “What is the character thinking?” “What could he do now?”

Benefits of reading aloud to your child.

• Develops stronger vocabulary.
• Builds connections between the spoken and written word. 
• Provides enjoyment. 
• Increases attention span. 
• Strengthens cognition. 
• Provides a safe way of exploring strong emotions. 
• Promotes bonding.

While reading aloud to your kids has many benefits for their own development, we can’t ignore the benefits it can also have for parents – more quality, connected, engaged (and often cuddly) one-on-one time with your child.