Virtuous Children

There can be no denying that reading is an essential ingredient in a child’s development and future success.  In my opinion, it does not matter what type of reading material (picture books, comics, fiction, non-fiction, magazines etc…) your child begins to read as long as they do and they enjoy it.  Your role as a parent is not to direct, but to encourage reading.  I will suggest some strategies to assist you in encouraging reading in later postings.

Today, I want to introduce you to a publisher of some quality children’s magazines.  Cricket Magazine Group publishes ten children’s magazines for children in the age group of 6-14 years old and covers three genres: Literature and Imagination, Science and Discovery, and History and Culture.

I was exposed to some of these magazines when a good friend of mine gave subscriptions to my children as birthday gifts.  These magazines have helped diversify my children’s reading interests including cultivating a higher interest in non-fiction.

Some of the magazines may not be your child’s first choice of reading.  However, if you initiate reading an article to your child, suggest reading an article from them when they just cannot find something to read on their own, or strategically position issues around the house you just may find that they will eventually choose to read them on their own.

Tell your children that you are going to order at least one magazine and include them on the discussion as to which one it will be.  Having them help in the decision will improve the probability that they will read it on their own.  Another strategy may be to just order one that you think they will like and act as if you don’t know where it came from because children tend to like surprises.  With Cricket you can always change the magazine you are receiving at any given time.

Cricket magazines make great gifts.  The next time the grandparents are soliciting input for gifts, suggest them.  What better gift than quality, age tailored reading content.  The same goes when you are looking for gift ideas.  The following is the web address for Cricket if you would like to learn more:  www.cricketmag.com

Knowledge is a virtue and leads to virtuous children.