You’ve probably heard it from your child’s school, the library, or a poster at the doctor’s office: read 20 minutes a day.
Time with books matters. But a number doesn’t tell you what to do while you’re reading. Twenty minutes of rushing to the last page feels different from five minutes spent listening to your child’s ideas.
Parents ask, “How long should I read? How many books? Is it enough?” Those are fair questions. Another useful question is: what happens between us while the book is open?
The clock isn’t the only thing to notice
When reading becomes a number to reach, it can start to feel like homework. For you and for your child.
Alongside the time you spend, notice how it feels to read together. Are you both interested? Does your child want to point something out? Do either of you need a break?
Try this tonight: make time for the first minute
Before you open to page one, slow down. Look at the cover together. Find the dedication page and ask: “Who do you think this book is dedicated to? Who would you dedicate a book to?”
You might learn who matters most to your child right now. They can also choose to listen without answering.
Try this tomorrow: ask what’s on their mind, not what happened
“What happened in the story?” can feel like a quiz.
Try a question that connects the book to your child. Reading Good Night Owl? Ask: “What do you think keeps Owl up at night? What keeps you up?”
Then listen. A quiet answer still counts. So does a shrug. You’re making room, not testing.
You can stop before the last page
If your child is done after three pages, close the book. If they ask for one more and you have time and energy, read one more. You don’t have to finish the chapter.
So, is 20 minutes enough?
There isn’t one number that tells you whether you’ve connected with your child. Five minutes can leave room for a shared thought. Twenty minutes can too. This isn’t a claim that different amounts of reading have the same effect on reading skills.
For more on what shared reading can support, see the benefits of reading with your child.
The ENGAGE Method® shows you ways to notice, share, and listen during the reading time you have.
Want the rest?
The ENGAGE Method®: Connect Through Reading is a self-paced course for parents. Ten short video lessons show you what to notice, what to share, and what to ask with any book, in whatever time you have. $79. Lifetime access. 30-day refund.
Quinn Cummings is a Certified Family Life Educator, children’s book author, and the founder of Reading To Connect.
