A new year feels like a fresh page—full of stories waiting to be shared. If reading more with your kids is one of your 2026 goals, here’s the good news: the best reading habits are not about perfection. They are about simple, joyful routines that fit your real life.

These three strategies make it easy to start—and even easier to stick with.

  1. Start Small and Stack Your Habits

    Big goals sound great, but small habits actually last. Instead of promising to “read every night,” attach reading to something you already do. Read a book after breakfast or add a 10‑minute story to your bedtime routine. When reading is tied to an existing habit, it becomes automatic instead of one more thing to remember. Even a few shared stories each week add up to dozens by year’s end.

Try this: Pick one daily routine and add a short reading session right after it at least three times a week. Increase frequency as it feels manageable.

  1. Let the UTR App Do the Heavy Lifting

    Decision fatigue is real—especially at the end of the day. The United Through Reading app removes the guesswork with a curated library of children’s books you can access anytime. It also helps you stay connected with family members far away. Grandparents, deployed parents, or relatives across the country can record themselves reading, turning screen time into connection time.

Try this: Download the UTR app and let your child choose three books to read together this week.

  1. Make Progress Visible (and Fun!)

    Kids love seeing their progress. United Through Reading’s free printable trackers make reading feel like an activity, not a chore. Young children can color in book spines, elementary readers can track titles and ratings, and middle‑grade readers can journal about characters and favorite quotes. These trackers help kids take ownership of their reading journey—and give you a keepsake of the stories you’ve shared.

Try this: Download a tracker and decorate it together before you begin.

Focus on Connection, Not Completion

Reading goals do not have to be about numbers. Aim for moments instead: a weekly laugh during storytime, a thoughtful question about a character, or letting your child see you reading for fun. When the goal is connection, the habit grows naturally.

Your Reading Year Starts Now

Grab your phone, open the UTR app, and snuggle up for your first story of 2026. You are not just reading a book, you are building a habit, strengthening a bond, and creating memories that last long after the final page.

Ready to begin? Download the United Through Reading app and discover hundreds of stories waiting to bring your family closer.