Reclaiming Balance During the Holidays
The school holidays present a crucial opportunity for both parents and educators to encourage balance. With less structured time during the break, children are free to explore new hobbies, relax, and enjoy time with family. Yet, in this digital era of binge-watching and short-form content, it is tempting for kids to retreat into screens during the day. By fostering an environment where reading is encouraged to combat reduced attention spans from scrolling, parents and educators can help children create positive habits and experiences that last beyond the holidays.
“Reading isn’t just about escaping into books—it’s about building a foundation for life-long learning,” says Megan Daley, experienced and multi award-winning author and educator, and one third of the powerhouse Your Kid’s Next Read team. “When children develop a love for reading during the holidays, they’re more likely to carry that enthusiasm with them back to school and beyond.”
The holidays also offer a perfect chance for children to explore books outside of the classroom and experiences beyond the screen. Educators and parents can help by offering books that match children’s interests, ensuring reading feels like an exciting adventure rather than a chore.
A sentiment ingrained in the ethos of the Your Kid’s Next Read team who believe that there is always a terrific ‘next read’ for every young reader – from those who love reading to those who need more encouragement.
Children’s author Tait adds, “it is not necessarily about choosing one over the other. Instead, it’s about creating a harmonious balance. As the holidays offer a welcome break from school, it’s the perfect time for families and educators to encourage children to rediscover the joys of reading—and reap the long-term benefits it provides”.
Key Facts:
Educators and parents can foster an environment where reading is encouraged to combat reduced attention spans from scrolling these school holidays
The holidays offer a perfect chance for children to explore books outside of the classroom and experiences beyond the screen
In this digital era of binge-watching and short-form content, it is tempting for kids to retreat into screens during the day
“it is not necessarily about choosing one over the other. Instead, it’s about creating a harmonious balance"
About us:
About Your Kid's Next Read
Founded in 2017 by Allison Tait and Megan Daley, with Allison Rushby joining in its infancy, Your Kid’s Next Read is now a community of nearly 38K, a podcast, and a newsletter, all aimed at growing readers and writers. Between them, Tait, Daley, and Rushby, possess extensive academic wealth, give considered advice based on experience, and recommendations backed by research and evidence gained in their respective fields. They are also parents who have each experienced the difficulty of trying to find books to engage their very different young readers.
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange an interview with the YKNR team, please contact:
Jennifer Kean
M: 0413 711 389
E: jen@keanandcreative.com.au
