Dads Reading: Guest post by Read Aloud Dad

FIVE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO READ TO YOUR KIDS IN 3 MINUTES OR LESS
(a.k.a. A brief guide on how to kill the read-aloud bird)

Time is short these days. Hapless parents are left with less and less time to read to their kids.

So I assembled the best time-tested tips that will allow you to continue telling your friends: "I read to my kids every day!" - while
keeping actual reading sessions at a bare minimum.

A win-win situation for tired parents!

The kids may be unhappy with 3 minutes at first, but - hey - eventually they will let you start skipping reading sessions altogether.

If they do - try not to remind them. It probably means that you are reading very effectively in the remaining sessions that you have
together.

To be successful in cutting back reading to your kids to just 3 minutes a day - you need to:

1. MAINTAIN YOUR VOICE STEADY

(Keep it dull!)

As soon as you start reading, make sure to set the tone. Your voice should be monotonous and low, keep all excitement out of your reading.
It is especially good if you do this on a daily basis, so that your kids know what to expect.

Don't try to imitate voices or animals, don't knock on tables when there is knocking on doors in books, don't move your body and arms
around.

At all costs, do not excite the little ones.

Less is more.

Nothing is as infectious as boredom.

2. FACE THE BOOK AT ALL TIMES

(Don't show them the pictures!)

Let's face it. Picture books are so "yesterday".

The less pictures they see, the less pictures they expect. It's a success spiral that will ensure that your kids listen to chapter books
as early as possible ... or fall asleep. Whichever happens first.

If they see the pictures, then they also want to talk and discuss. If they start debating, you lose time.

Cut debates out easily, by cutting the pictures out.

Picture books are for kids.

It's the 21 century. It's time for your four-year old to grow up.

3. READ, BABY, READ

(Rev it up!)

Oh yes. It's a race.

Never slow down, the end is in sight.

Just one more minute left for six pages. Fill the quota!! Let's teach our little ones, its not comprehension that matters most of the time.
It's whether you stick to your plan.

Of course, you may lose your children's attention while speeding. But don't slow down, today's world is all about performance and results.
Lead by example.

Some so-called experts claim that one of the best factors that will help your read aloud style and listener understanding is to slow down,
take it easy.

That's yesterday's advice.

Reading slow is for losers.

Oh yes, and you have a quota to fulfill.

4. YOU'RE THE MAN!

(Lead - don't just read!)

Reading is a great moment to establish your position of natural authority. It's not a time for debate.

Ask yourself why is China the most successful economy these days?

Because discipline rules the world.

Questions invite new questions and these ... invite new questions. Nip those pesky questions in the bud.

It's a lecture, not a debate club. Your kids must learn that reading time is supposed to be a natural time of obedience.

It's not bonding time, it's reading time.

Obedience through reading.

Isn't that the heavenly marriage of two worlds?

5. SINCERITY ABOVE ALL

(Admit you are bored!)

What did we learn in rule number 1? Yes, nothing is so infectious as boredom.

Sincerity is above everything. So, don't hide your feelings and you get a double whammy!

Why pretend that you are interested in reading The Little Engine That Could for the umpteenth time?

Don't stifle that yawn!! That will only motivate the little ones to ask you to read it tomorrow.

Why should we lie to our kids? Isn't life about sincerity?

Be a paragon of honesty.

Don't be afraid to show the little ones that you can't stand reading again all that dribble about Harry The Dirty Dog, Curious George,
Ramona, The Mouse and his Stupid Motorcycle, and the rest of the kiddy stuff.

By speaking your mind to your kids about their choice of books, they will grow up to be truth-abiding honest citizens who speak their minds
regardless of the situation.

Sincerity above all.

These time-tested tips will ensure complete read aloud success, dear Read Aloud Dads and Moms.

Don't forget to stop your daily three-minute read-alouds as soon as your kids learn to read on their own.

Give them independence. Room to breath.

Now that they are older your kids will unwaveringly follow your example.

They had sufficient time to perfect the delicate art of extracting all pleasure out of reading.

Read Aloud Dad is a dad of three-year old twins (boy and girl!) who adore listening to children's books. We read together and review our
book purchases. He writes the Read Aloud Dad (www.ReadAloudDad.com) blog and can be reached at readalouddad@gmail.com or
@ReadAloudDad.