My son is a voracious reader, eager to even read his favorite books a second and third time. You will see him, over 60% of his free time, sitting with a book, which, in the current scenario, is commendable. I believe there is one factor, one action, that trumps all others here. And that is—mimicry.

Yes, I realized that when my son saw me spend my free time holding a book, deeply absorbed in it, sitting in a corner for long stretches, he initially became curious. As a two-year-old, he would sit on my lap and stare at the picture-less pages as I read on. Needless to say, when he got his own books, he would similarly sit with me and “read.” I have spent hours reading to him and reading with him.

I made it an every-night ritual, and before I knew it, he had a favorite book, a favorite page, and the funniest word.

What I wish to stress here is that the easiest way to inculcate the habit of reading in your child is to read along, so he sees you making books a part of your life. And he will be hooked for life too.

And if you don’t have the habit of reading, now would be a good time to start.