National Day of Reading – February 27 – is the perfect excuse to hit pause on screens and open a book instead. During the school year, kids spend plenty of time on computers for learning and homework. While technology plays an important role, too much screen time can leave kids feeling wired, distracted and glued to the couch.
If you’re looking for a simple, meaningful way to celebrate National Day of Reading, carve out extra reading time! Here are four benefits of swapping screen time for reading time.
1. Better Sleep (for Everyone!)
If bedtime feels like a nightly battle, screens might be part of the problem. The blue light from phones and tablets can interfere with sleep, and fast-paced content keeps kids’ brains buzzing long after the lights go out.
Reading, on the other hand, helps kids wind down. A bedtime story – whether they read independently or you read together – signals that it’s time to relax. Even older kids benefit from a screen-free wind-down routine. Try making National Reading Day the start of a new habit: no devices in bedrooms and at least 20 minutes of reading before bed.
Bonus: Parents often sleep better when they swap scrolling for a chapter, too.
2. Stronger Focus and Learning Skills
The internet was a lifesaver during remote learning, but constant multitasking can make it harder for kids to concentrate. Reading a physical book encourages sustained attention. There are no pop-ups, notifications or quick-switch tabs – just stories and imagination.
When kids read for pleasure, they’re building vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills without even realizing it. Younger children also strengthen creativity and problem-solving skills when they balance screen time with hands-on activities like puzzles, building blocks – and, of course, books.
On National Reading Day, let your child choose what to read. Comic books, graphic novels, joke books, sports biographies – it all counts!
3. Stronger Social Skills and Family Connection
It’s not just kids who struggle with screen limits. Many parents admit they spend too much time on their phones, especially when juggling work and home life. National Reading Day is a great opportunity to model what balance looks like.
Reading improves concentration and teaches patience – two important ingredients for good conversation. Kids who practice focusing on a story also practice listening, waiting their turn, and staying present.
Make reading social:
- Start a mini family or friends book club (even if everyone reads something different)
- Read aloud after dinner
- Visit the library together
- Trade book recommendations at the breakfast table
4. Healthier Emotional Habits
Kids absorb a constant stream of information from social media, videos and games. Books offer a calmer, more intentional experience. Stories help children understand emotions, build empathy, and see the world from different perspectives.
If you’re encouraging your child to read more, meet them where they are. Choose books that match their interests – there are books on every subject like animals, fantasy, sports, science, history and adventure. For teens, leave interesting titles around the house without pressure. Audiobooks absolutely count. So do graphic novels.
The goal isn’t to eliminate screens entirely – it’s to create balance and support your child when they reach for a book.
Simple Ways to Celebrate National Day of Reading
National Reading Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are ways to celebrate the day:
- Do a family DEAR (drop everything and read) hour
- Build a kid-friendly cozy reading nook with blankets and snacks
- Make a special trip to a local bookstore or library
- Let kids stay up 20 minutes later reading
Small shifts can make a big difference. By swapping just a little screen time for reading time, you’re helping your child build healthier habits, stronger focus, and a lifelong love of books.
National PTA’s Family Reading Experience offers more tips to encourage your child to read.
