I used to think so too, but I guess my family is the exception. I am an avid reader of newspapers, novels and magazines. My husband likes to read somewhat. We have always exposed our kids to books, different cultures, the theater, musicals and sports, and we have great discussions around the dinner table and while driving to and from church. When they were very young, they were members of two book clubs, receiving three new books every month. We visited the library every Wednesday for storytelling, fun and crafts. As they got a little older, they were part of the summer reading program for a few years. We travel at least twice a year and they have been involved in team sports every year since age 5. They are teenagers now, excellent athletes but are struggling in half their classes. I know it's because they don't want to take the time to read, as they've said so many times. Reading a book now is like a chore for them. How can that be? I thought that we were doing all the right things.

Don't knock yourself out over this. You've done what you knew would be helpful and would set a good example. My husband and I were both readers and our house was filled with books, newspapers and magazines. We had two sons. They have both grown into successful men, but one was the inveterate reader. We thought surely he would be a writer, a great writer, one day. The other was much less cerebral, involved mostly in sports and rarely was found with his nose in a book. Today that son is the writer, a successful freelancer who specializes in sports. As they say, time will tell.

Sometimes, a poor teacher can make a child from a book-filled home hate reading. Don't knock yourself, as was said. Who knows what went on to make your children feel reading isn't important.

I'm a reading teacher; I KNOW what good or harm an adult can do.

I love to read so I enjoy buying books for my children. Sadly, these books are collecting dust on the shelves. So, I have to find new ways to engage them to learning.

Recently, I thought of a way to tell them about the cause and effects of their actions just by using my fingers.

Look at your fingers and try moving the little finger. You will realised that your palm and the rest of your fingers will move along with it.

Move your index finder and you will notice that you have more control over the rest of your fingers and only your middle finger will move along with it.

The little finger is just like a child compared to the rest of the fingers. The palm represents the environment she is in. In her ignorance, her actions will affect more people in her environment. I see a strong figure in the index finger. Someone who is mature and more conscious about the effects her actions can create.

I see the ability of each finger to bend forward to touch the thumb. The thumb looks like someone of authority; a good support system to lead one on the right path.

When I used my fingers to teach them about caring about the environment, I asked them where they stand where taking care of the environment is concerned? Do they want to be a little finger forever? Of course, I encouraged them to be a thumb and show others how to make use of their ever ready and always there fingers as teaching aid about keeping our environment green.

With the help of my middle finger, I can also talk about morality.

A cheating spouse, represented by the index finger, can be reminded that his or her actions can affect the partner, which is represented by the middle finger. Move the middle finger and you will see that the ring finger and little finger will move along with it. Can you see the consequences of adultery through your fingers?

The marriage (ring finger) and the children (little finger) will be affected.

Look at your thumb. If you are in an extramarital relationship, let it reminds you to seek a marriage counselor.

For the religiously-inclined, let your thumb reminds you of a higher self who will be ever present watching over you and your actions. Say your prayers and be blessed and guided towards the right directions.

Paper is the most often used material to teach. You see paper in books, posters and notes. So, I hope my analogy will help reduce its usage and save some trees.

I had more input after thinking about what Gail wrote: "Reading a book now is like a chore for [our kids]. How can that be? I thought we were doing all the right things."

I hope Gail runs to the nearest library or bookstore and buys some picture books! Not wordless, but for children about 3rd grade and up. Some of the BEST writing is found in these books, and everyone, regardles if they are "old" enjoys them. Read a book as a family once a week. Talk aobut it; decide how a fiction book can apply to humans. Even the Three Little Pigs is about humans who make poor choices and humans who think creatively! In a couple of months, read a chapter book to your family. Maybe yoru children will complain at first, but it's such good bonding. Find out what your children like (motorcycles, crafts, whatever) and get books or magazines on those typics and leave them lying around.

There are lots more ideas - ask a librarian or school teacher for help!