Encouraging kids to develop consistent reading habits can be a challenge. Between busy family schedules and screen distractions, finding time for books isn’t always easy. That’s where audiobooks come in. Audiobooks offer a flexible, fun, and effective way to make reading a natural part of your child’s day, whether at home, on the go, or even at bedtime.
One platform making it easier than ever is Epic, a digital reading app trusted by millions of families and teachers. With over 40,000 books and audiobooks, Epic makes daily reading both accessible and enjoyable for children aged 12 and under.
Here’s how to use audiobooks for kids to build daily reading habits—and how platforms like Epic can help you do it.
1. Make Listening Part of the Daily Routine
Just like brushing teeth or packing a lunch, reading—or in this case, listening—should become part of your child’s daily rhythm. Whether it’s 15 minutes during breakfast, in the car ride to school, or right before bed, set a consistent time for audiobooks.
Example using Epic:
Epic’s mobile and tablet app allows parents to download audiobooks for offline use, so you can create a “listening station” anywhere—on car rides, waiting in line, or at grandma’s house. Their Read-To-Me section is perfect for younger children, where stories are read aloud while kids follow along with text and visuals.
2. Choose Engaging, Age-Appropriate Content
Kids are more likely to stick with audiobooks if the content excites them. Let them explore different genres—from adventure and humor to science and fairy tales—and give them the freedom to pick what interests them most.
Epic Example:
Epic offers a wide selection of audiobooks for every age and interest group. A 6-year-old might love “How to Catch a Unicorn”, while a 10-year-old may enjoy “Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel: The Great Ice Age”. Plus, the Epic Originals—exclusive, high-quality stories available only on the platform—add fresh, imaginative content to the mix.
3. Involve the Whole Family
One of the best ways to form habits is to do it together. Family listening time not only builds reading habits but also strengthens bonds. Whether it’s during dinner clean-up or a shared evening wind-down, audiobooks can turn into family moments.
Epic Tip:
Using Epic’s Parent Dashboard, you can track what your child is listening to, send them book recommendations, or even celebrate milestones together. Choose an audiobook to listen to as a family and talk about it afterward—just like a mini book club.
4. Use Audiobooks for Wind-Down Time
Audiobooks can be a calming part of the evening routine. Listening to a story at bedtime helps children relax, reduces screen strain, and provides a comforting, screen-free close to the day.
Epic Example:
Epic’s audiobooks are categorized by interest and reading level, making it easy to find peaceful, bedtime-friendly stories. Try “A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee” or “Nonnie and I” for gentle, relaxing nighttime listening.
5. Turn Screen Time into Learning Time
Parents often struggle with managing screen time. The beauty of audiobooks is that they combine the entertainment value of screens with the educational value of reading. You can transform passive screen time into meaningful listening experiences.
How Epic Helps:
Epic, a reading app for kids, is fully COPPA and FERPA compliant, meaning it’s safe for kids to explore on their own. Plus, their Read-To-Me books allow children to follow along visually as they listen, helping build word recognition and early reading skills—especially for emergent readers.
6. Celebrate Progress and Keep Motivation High
Children love being recognized for their accomplishments. Creating goals like “listen to an audiobook every day for 7 days” or “finish 3 books this week” can make the habit more rewarding. Add fun incentives like stickers, screen time coupons, or bedtime choice privileges.
Epic’s Built-In Rewards:
Epic motivates kids with badges, rewards, and Reading Buddies—virtual companions that celebrate reading milestones. These tools gamify the experience, making reading feel more like a fun achievement than a chore.
7. Revisit Favorites for Repetition & Comprehension
Repetition isn’t boring for kids—it’s comforting and educational. Listening to the same audiobook again helps reinforce vocabulary, comprehension, and story structure.
Use Epic to Repeat & Reinforce:
Kids can easily replay audiobooks they’ve enjoyed on Epic, helping solidify their understanding of the story and vocabulary. You can even encourage them to narrate part of the story themselves after a few listens!
8. Encourage Critical Thinking & Discussions
After listening, take a few minutes to talk about the book. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think happens next?” or “Why did the character make that choice?” This deepens comprehension and encourages your child to think critically.
Epic’s Quizzes Feature:
Many Epic audiobooks include quizzes at the end to test understanding. These short, fun activities reinforce reading comprehension and offer a chance for discussion.
Final Thoughts
Audiobooks are a powerful tool to help kids build daily reading habits in a natural, enjoyable way. Whether it’s 10 minutes in the morning or a wind-down story at night, making listening part of the daily routine creates lifelong benefits.
With its massive collection of audiobooks, Read-To-Me books, and interactive tools, Epic is a parent- and teacher-approved platform that makes reading easier and more accessible for all kids—anytime, anywhere
