Help! My toddler will only sit still for two pages of a book!

Does this sound like you? You sit down for a nice bedtime story and two pages in, your toddler is either running away or grabbing for another book? This is completely normal behaviour for toddlers. In fact, my 17-month old does exactly this. Book reading can still be a positive, language-facilitating activity, even if you don't get through a whole story!

Here are five tips to make book reading more engaging for your toddler:

1. Follow their interests. Let your toddler pick the book out and let them change their minds! If they're not interested in what you're reading, they certainly won't want to hear the story.
   

2. Face each other while reading. This means the book will face out at your toddler and they will be able to see your face! The ability to see your facial expressions as you read the book helps to make the whole experience more interesting!
   

3. Add props to the story. This doesn't have to be anything fancy. If you're reading a book about animals, grab a stuffy! Help your toddler make the connection between the bear in the book and their stuffed bear. Is there a dog or cat in the story? Help your toddler make the connection between pets in a story and your pet at home!
   

4. Limit options. While we want to follow our toddlers' interests, we also don't want to overwhelm them with dozens of books. I like to put out 2-3 books based on my toddler's interests with the book covers facing out. This limits options and helps the toddler to make an easier choice (it also prevents them from emptying entire bookshelves onto the floor ;) )
   

5. Add an element of surprise. Mix up the usual routine with a silly voice or funny facial expressions. Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to look at the pages. Your toddler will be captivated by these surprising new twists to story time! BONUS: Have fun with it! It's not about getting through the most number of pages, it's about connecting with your toddler and engaging with a book together. If they're simply not wanting a story, move on to another activity. We want book reading to be a positive, relaxing activity for toddlers.

6. Happy reading! :)

-- Meg