Despite the current weather situation here in Vermont, this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Ah, summer. That magical time when your child’s schedule is wide open, just like the doors to your cabinets and fridge. (You never have any good snacks, by the way.) It’s arguably the most popular season, yet its arrival always coincides with a dramatic uptick in the use of phrases such as: “There’s nothing to do-oooooo,” and “I’m soOOOooo borrrrrrred.” 

Just accept it: any well-meaning suggestions you make in response will be rebuffed. Refrain from telling them how, when you were their age, you and your friends built forts in the woods all day. Resist the temptation of retorts like, “Only boring people get bored.” They’re not going to land the way you want them to, and you risk sounding like your own parents back in the day. Did you listen? No.

Here’s an idea: they should go read a book. But you can’t just come out and say that. If you want to win this battle, you’re going to need a strategy or two up your sleeve. Read on for five tips guaranteed* to lock your kids into bookworm mode this summer. 

*Results not actually guaranteed. 

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1. Employ Reverse Psychology

Tell them reading is strictly forbidden this summer. Sorry, no exceptions. Then hit the library, take out some especially compelling new books, and leave them around in conspicuous spots. Nothing motivates a kid like defiance. 

2. Use Reading as Currency

Assign made-up monetary value to time spent reading (i.e. one minute = one book buck), and keep track of how much they bank. Then charge them in exchange for their demands. A popsicle = 10 book bucks. Half an hour of screen time = 20 book bucks. Pizza and movie night = 50 book bucks. Insufficient funds? Time to read! 

3. Weaponize the WiFi Password

Change the WiFi password to something obscure from the book they’re supposed to be reading. Then hand them a Jeopardy!-style clue and let them use their reading comprehension skills to figure it out: “This character saves the day with nothing but a mirror and the help of a kind-hearted dragon.” Repeat this exercise daily, or as needed.

4. Use Sibling Rivalry to Your Advantage

Set up a completely arbitrary leaderboard and dole out stickers for achievements nobody can quite define. Pit your kids against each other in a race to a finish line that doesn’t actually exist. The scoreboard doesn’t care if one’s reading Captain Underpants, while the other is on The Mysterious Benedict Society. Everyone’s a winner in this game…but they don’t need to know that. 

5. Enforce Unreasonably Early Bedtime for Anyone Who’s Not Reading

Those who want to stay up past sunset better crack a book. Otherwise it’s off to bed–yes, even though it’s still light out. They’ll be begging for “just one more chapter.” 

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Real talk for those who’ve made it this far: as parents ourselves, we get it. It can be hard to motivate kids to read over the summer, and employing elaborate strategies just creates more work for you. Ideally, summer reading shouldn’t feel like a chore–for you, or for them. Take a deep breath, and remember, whether your child is reading comic books, classic literature, or cereal boxes, it all counts. 

Here’s a tried-and-true tip we stand behind: Visit your local library. This year’s Collaborative Summer Library Program theme is “Color Our World,” with activities designed to engage and inspire readers of all ages through the exploration of art and creativity. If you’re not a frequent library patron already, there’s no better time than summer to familiarize yourself and your kids with this amazing resource. Everyone’s welcome at the library!

Another tip: CLiF’s Summer Readers program holds free events all summer long across Vermont and New Hampshire, featuring author visits, literacy activities, and of course, our ever-popular book giveaways. To find out where we’ll be, and when, check out our Events page. 

Happy unofficial start of summer, fellow parents. Together, we will persevere.