15 ideas to help your child get into the habit of reading

These ideas are predominantly for children of ages 2 to 7.  They are based on my personal experiences and suggestions from friends (parents/educators) who deal with children of these age groups.

1. Cut down Television/IPad/Video time dramatically.  Be kind but firm about this decision. This will automatically create time to do other healthy activities like playing and reading.
2. Read with/to your child.  It is the best way to build a reading habit.  It is also the ultimate bonding routine (only second to breast feeding) - Nothing like cozying up with your little one and reading a book before bed time.  In the beginning, I used to read to my son. Once he stared reading a little, we used to read alternate paragraphs to each other.  Over time, alternate paragraphs became alternate pages. Then he stared reading short books aloud and I would listen. This gave me a chance to help him pronounce words correctly and rectify his mistakes.  Now, he can't be bothered to strain his voice by reading aloud - he reads on his own. 
3. Start with a recommended book (if possible, from a favourite topic):  The starting point is very important for setting any habit.  A good book inspires you to read more.  Pick a book that is tried, tested and enjoyed by many children. Your child might still not like it.  In that case, try books from their subject of interest - I picked up many popular children's books (Mr Men and Dr Seuss series), which my son and I read together and had fun with.  However, he refused to read them by himself.  Then I looked for books based on Disney's Cars and Jurassic Park, his favourite movies.  They were a huge hit.  He also loves listening to mythological stories -  So, I bought Amar Chitra Katha's Ganesha and Mahabarata.  He was glued to them.  Supandi and Shikari Shambu are causing a laugh riot.  I realise that among picture books, comic strip genre is his current preference.  
4. Short and simple:  Beginners have low attention span.  Give them the sense of satisfaction of having completed a book by picking short and simple books.  I started with the Pepper/Bruno/Bubbles series for my 3-year old. 
5. Slow and Steady:  Do not bombard them with many books at the same time just because they are short.  Moreover, children love reading the same book over and over again (and bore you to death).  Be patient.  Repetition helps increase their confidence.  They read faster and make fewer mistakes with each iteration.  Introduce one new book at a time, say once a fortnight.
6. Use Phonics:  Help them read by breaking words into sounds using phonics.  You can try books that emphasise on words using phonics.  My son enjoyed the Funny Photo Phonics series.
7. Discuss books: Ask your child about the story of the book he/she has recently read.  Don't ask him to 'narrate it' but genuinely 'discuss it' with him.  Ask him questions like which his favourite story is, why he likes his favourite character, why he does not like something. 
8. Read anything  anywhere: A menu card in a restaurant, a poster on a wall, the brand name on your handbag, the news headlines, the name of a programme while you are browsing TV, make of a passing car...you get the drift
9. Praise them every time they show even the slightest improvement or express interest to read extra.  Drawing a simple star or a smilie-face on their hands makes them feel like they have reached the moon.  Do not give material rewards as this will misplace their motivation to read.  We want them to read for the joy of it and nothing else.
10. Fix a daily reading time and stick to it.  Link it to a daily routine, like before going to bed or before a meal.  Start with a few minutes and slowly increase it based on the child’s interest. Older kids might rebel when asked to read on their own.  Push them, but not too hard.  We still want them to "enjoy" reading.  Maintain the discipline of reading for at least a few minutes every day.  However, make room for exceptions too :)
11. A good reading environment.  A noise free, clutter free area with as much natural light as possible.  Keep it simple: a bed, a comfortable couch or a cleared-out dining table (while the child reads, you can listen from the kitchen).  Provide them with a bookshelf exclusively for their books.  This makes them feel important.  Also, they get to pick a book based on their mood and put it back in its place, thus building a sense of responsibility too.
12. Carry a (favourite) book while holidaying, shopping, visiting doctors or where ever they bored.  This way they begin to appreciate reading as an activity that can save them from boredom.
13. Subscribe to a children’s magazine.  It will have a good mix of short stories and other activities.  My friend’s son goes crazy when “his” magazine arrives at the door step.  
14. Go to libraries, (seconds) book shops and book fairs with your child.  These environment stimulate reading interest.  I go to the Anna Centenary Library (Chennai).  I am not sure about my son, but it sure is my favourite place in the city.  I have picked up many gems from used-book stores.  Books from libraries and second's stores give us the chance to experiment because they are easy on the pocket.
15. Lead by example.  Let him see you read regularly.  Show him that you enjoy it.  Children learn by observing and imitating us too!