Try to avoid:
Pressuring, nagging, or bribing. Encourage teens to read, but don't hound them.
Criticizing what teens read. Explain what troubles you about certain types of reading materials after reading them yourself. Forbid as little as possible. And whenever you can, accept differences of opinion as just that.
Lavishing too much praise. If you catch your teenagers reading, show interest, but don't make a big deal out of it. Teens need to know that they're reading for their own pleasure—not for your approval.
Ways to encourage teens to read:
Set an example. Let teens see you reading for pleasure.
Furnish your home with a variety of reading materials. Leave books, magazines and newspapers around. Check to see what disappears for a clue to what interests your teenager.
Give teens an opportunity to choose their own books. When you and your teen are out together, browse in a bookstore or library. Go your separate ways and make your own selections. A bookstore gift certificate is a nice way of saying, "You choose."
Build on your teen's interests. Look for books and articles that feature their favorite sports teams, musicians, hobbies, or television shows. Give a gift subscription to a special interest magazine.
