As Dr. Seuss wrote, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

Reading books has several physical and mental health benefits. These include strengthening your brain, reducing stress and building your vocabulary, as well as many others.

Just 10 minutes a day of reading has so many positive benefits on our well-being.  Maybe set it as a family 4 week challenge!

Below are some tips to encourage your child to take just 10 minutes of their day to read:

1. Create a routine. Set a specific time each day that works for the whole family where you can all sit and read. You could set up a cosy reading corner at home or be out and about!
2. If your child is an independent reader, make sure you grab your favourite book, magazine or even recipe book to read as well to show them how important reading is to you.
3. Set a timer to help you all hit 10 minutes.
4. Turn off your phone or TV so there are no distractions.
5. You could pop to the library to find the perfect book, magazine or comic for you and your children.
6. Create a Take 10 reward board where everyone gets a star for every 10 minutes they read, and at the end of the week everyone can get a treat.
7. Create a bookmark based on your child's favourite book or character.
8. Get creative with technology and set up a Zoom call with loved ones who live far away. What better way to share the excitement for what you’re reading than with loved ones.
9. Why not go digital and try one of many audio books to stir up creativity with reading?
10. Read a book as a family and then find the movie version (if it exists) so you can watch it at the next family movie night.