As summer rolls in and routines begin to relax, many parents welcome the slower pace, but there’s one habit we don’t want to take a vacation from: reading.

Studies continue to show a concerning trend…fewer parents are reading to their children regularly, especially as kids get older. Between busy schedules, screen time, and competing distractions, reading together is often one of the first things to fall off the list. But here’s the truth: those quiet moments with a book are doing more than you think.

Reading aloud to your child—>no matter their age<—builds vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and nurtures imagination. Even more importantly, it creates connection. It tells your child, “You matter. This time matters.”

And here’s something powerful:
Kids don’t just learn to read… they learn to love reading by watching you.

When children see parents picking up books, enjoying stories, and prioritizing reading, it sends a clear message: reading isn’t a chore, it’s a joy.

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Why a Summer Reading Challenge Works

Summer is the perfect time to create a fun, low-pressure reading rhythm that keeps young minds engaged while school is out. A reading challenge gives kids something to work toward, while keeping things playful and creative.

Instead of “you have to read,” it becomes:
✨ “Let’s see how many fun ways we can explore stories together!”

Think beyond just books:

• Read a recipe together before baking
• Create a blanket fort and read inside
• Let your child “read” to a stuffed animal
• Take books outside for a picnic read-aloud
• Act out scenes from your favorite stories

When reading feels like play, kids lean in—not away.

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The Real Goal: Raising Readers Who Feel Connected

At My Crumby World, we believe reading is more than a skill—it’s a bridge to connection, confidence, and curiosity. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to strengthen your relationship with your child while helping them grow.

This summer, instead of letting reading slide, let’s make it something your kids look forward to.

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🎁 Your Free Summer Reading Challenge

To help you get started, we’ve created a FREE downloadable Summer Reading Challenge filled with creative, kid-friendly ideas to make reading exciting all season long.

👉 Look for the download at the end of this post and start building your child’s love of reading, one story at a time.

Because when we make reading part of our everyday lives…
we’re not just raising readers.

We’re raising thinkers, dreamers, and confident kids ready to write their own stories.