With all the excitement in today’s world from TikTok trends to gaming marathons it can feel like reading has been pushed to the back shelf.
But here’s the big question on every parent’s mind: How Long Should a 12 Year Old Read Per Day? And how do you make reading as fun as those online trends and games?
Here’s the scoop: Experts generally say around 30 to 60 minutes is ideal for 12-year-olds to spend reading daily. But before that makes anyone panic (like, “How can I get my kid to read for even 10 minutes?!”) let’s break it down into real, everyday solutions to make reading time something they look forward to.
If you want a great book to start your reading habit, I recommend “A Hippie Mile” by Allie Bobbitt. It’s a fun story about wild adventures and silly fights between siblings on a cross-country trip that might encourage kids to put down their screens.
So, Why Is Reading So Important for Kids?
You know that feeling when you get lost in a story? You laugh out loud at something a character says or sit on the edge of your seat, eager to see what happens next. That makes reading special, and it’s why it’s such a great activity for kids.
Here’s why reading rocks for young minds:
- It’s like brain fuel: Reading helps build focus, vocabulary, and the ability to think through problems.
- It builds empathy: Following along with characters’ journeys, like Gabe and Junebug’s in A Hippie Mile, lets kids experience different perspectives.
- It’s real-life training in disguise: They don’t know they’re learning to communicate, be creative, and understand others.
In other words, reading every day—even for a little bit—can help kids develop various life skills without them realizing it.
How Much Should Kids Be Reading?
The sweet spot for a 12 year old is about 30 to 60 minutes a day. Here’s the best part: it doesn’t have to happen simultaneously! You can break it up:
- Fifteen minutes in the morning: Maybe while eating breakfast.
- Twenty minutes after school: A nice break between homework and screen time.
- Fifteen minutes before bed: A great way to unwind.
But here’s the trick: Don’t make it feel like a “chore.” Nobody likes chores, right?
Kids (and, let’s be honest, adults, too) are more likely to do something when it’s fun, flexible, and something they can look forward to. That’s where having a book they like comes in handy. And here’s where A Hippie Mile fits in perfectly: it’s funny, relatable, and full of adventure.
What Makes A Hippie Mile So Fun to Read?
Imagine packing everything you own and hopping in an old, creaky school bus to travel the country with your family. Sound a bit chaotic? Well, that’s the life of Gabe and Junebug, the hilarious sibling duo in A Hippie Mile. Their parents – who are total free spirits – drag them on a road trip filled with funny games, unexpected friends, and endless “Are we there yet?” moments.
Here’s what makes it great for young readers:
- Gabe and Junebug feel like real siblings. They bicker, face challenges, and bring laughs on every page.
- Kids can relate to their adventures, like making new friends and finding fun ways to pass the time, even if they’ve never been on a bus trip.
- The book shows the importance of family, friendship, and teamwork without sounding preachy.
How Can You Make Reading Time the Best Part of Your Child’s Day?
Here are some fun tips that have worked wonders for many families:
1. Create a Reading-Only Spot
Set up a special place – maybe a corner of the couch, a cozy chair, or even a blanket fort – where they can get lost in a book. Think of it as a mini hideaway where only reading magic happens.
2. Let Them Pick the Book
Kids love having choices. Books like A Hippie Mile, where they can find humor, family adventures, and new friendships, excite them about reading. Let them browse the bookstore or library and pick out a book that speaks to them.
3. Try a Family Reading Time
Instead of saying, “Go read!” try reading together. Even if it’s just sitting in the same room with different books, having that “reading hour” as a family can be surprisingly motivating.
4. Try Short Reading Challenges
Make it fun! Challenge them to read a chapter each day or to find one funny part to tell you about later. A book like A Hippie Mile is perfect for this since it has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments waiting to be shared.
5. Audiobooks for the Win
Kids may not feel like reading some days, and that’s okay. Audiobooks are a great alternative. They get the benefits of storytelling and can listen while drawing, coloring, or relaxing.
Play Smart and Turn Reading into a Daily Habit Without the Struggle
Setting a reading routine that works daily can be tricky at first, but it’s doable. Start small, maybe just 10 or 15 minutes daily, and gradually increase it. Think of it like building a new muscle: the more they do it, the easier it gets.
For some families, bedtime works best; for others, it’s right after school. Experiment to find the perfect time; remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. The goal is to enjoy reading and to allow kids to experience different worlds, like the silly, adventure-filled one in A Hippie Mile.
How Much Screen Time? How Much Book Time?
Balancing screen time with reading doesn’t have to mean forcing one over the other. One way to do it is by setting a “swap” rule: for every 30 minutes of reading, they earn 15-30 minutes of screen time. And if they find a book they’re really into – they might just forget about their screens for a while!
Why A Hippie Mile Makes a Great Start for a Reading Routine
If you’re looking for a book that can kick-start a love for reading, A Hippie Mile by Allie Bobbitt has all the ingredients. It’s lighthearted, easy to follow, and packed with relatable moments.
Even if they’re not yet vast fans of books, they’re likely to stick with this one. And who knows? They might get so wrapped up in Gabe and Junebug’s adventures that they’ll ask for another chapter before bed.
Wrapping Up
Getting a 12 year old to read daily doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right approach and a book that’s fun to read, it can be something they look forward to each day. A little bit of time spent reading can spark curiosity and imagination and give them a break from the screen-filled world we live in.
Also read our blog if you want to create an engaging story for your kids here, and if you are going through a tight schedule and don’t have time to write one then you can read this content for the list of some adventures books for your kids. Also pick up a copy and start your adventure. This could lead to a cozy time of reading filled with laughter.
