February 3, 2025
Is Screen Time Stealing Your Child’s Potential?

Let’s face it—kids today are glued to screens. Smartphones, tablets, endless streams of content—it’s their world. And while tech has its perks, it’s also pulling our kids away from something truly magical: the joy of reading.

Kids who don’t read for fun miss out on more than just great stories. Reading shapes their minds and hearts, helping them grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. But here’s the thing: the numbers don’t lie, and they tell a pretty unsettling story.

 • In 1984, about 35% of 13-year-olds read for fun almost daily.
 • By 2012, that dropped to 27%.
 • By 2020, only 17% read for fun, with 29% saying they rarely or never did. Pew Research Center
 • In 2023, fewer than 3 in 10 kids aged 8 to 18 read daily in their free time—a 26% decline since 2005. Literacy Trust

What’s happening here? It’s not just about fewer books—it’s about what kids are losing: imagination, focus, and even empathy—the ability to understand and care about others honestly.

Too Much Screen Time, Not Enough Story Time
Look, screens aren’t the bad guys. But when they take over, they crowd out time for activities that help kids think and feel deeply. Reading is one of those activities. It builds creative thinking, teaches empathy, and helps kids better understand the world—and themselves. It’s also a superpower for forming strong relationships and becoming thoughtful, compassionate people.

Why Reading Matters More Than Ever
This is where we come in. This newsletter is your go-to guide for bringing books back into your child’s life. Because reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a secret weapon for success in school, work, and life. It teaches kids to focus, solve problems, and connect with others more deeply. Plus, it’s just plain fun.
Here’s what you’ll get every month:

• Tips to Make Reading Fun: Say goodbye to boring book reports—hello to genuine excitement.
• Family Reading Activities: Turn books into a family tradition everyone looks forward to.
• Handpicked Book Recommendations: Perfect for grabbing (and holding) your child’s interest.
• Big Picture Benefits: Discover how reading shapes your child’s future—from better grades to stronger relationships.
• 
Picture your child curled up with a book, discovering new worlds, new ideas, and even new parts of themselves. That’s the kind of magic reading brings. And it’s not just about our kids today—it’s about raising thoughtful, caring adults who will shape tomorrow.

Ready to start this journey? Let’s help our kids rediscover the joy of reading—and unlock a lifetime of possibilities.