Mother, Baby & Child Magazine and Ambassador International Academy (AIA) Mankhool came together on May 19 to host an informative coffee morning for parents to explore the topic of ‘Raising Readers’ – and how to nurture a passion for reading from an early age.

Parents joined us for a thoughtful and engaging morning, where we explored the important role reading plays in nurturing confident, curious, and emotionally aware children in today’s fast-paced digital world. Throughout the morning, expert perspectives were shared from AIA’s leadership team, including Paul Gardner, Vice Principal & Head of Secondary; Daniel Allmark, Head of Primary; and Patricia Ferguson, Head of Early Years, as well as Dania Droubi, Chief Operations Officer and Director of Education Initiatives, Emirates Literature Foundation.

Discussions focused on practical ways families can encourage positive reading habits at home and help children build deeper connections with books from an early age. Topics included creating calm reading routines, supporting reluctant readers, modelling reading behaviours as parents, and balancing technology with opportunities for reflection, imagination, and sustained attention. Speakers also explored how storytelling and literature help children develop emotional vocabulary, resilience, and a stronger understanding of both themselves and the world around them.

The event concluded with an open discussion around the challenges and opportunities parents face when raising readers in an increasingly digital age. Parents shared experiences, reflections, and practical ideas, while speakers reinforced the importance of making reading feel enjoyable, meaningful, and accessible rather than purely academic. Overall, the morning served as a valuable reminder that fostering a lifelong love of reading is one of the most powerful ways we can support children’s confidence, wellbeing, and future success.

If you’d like to join the next event “Raising Children in a Digital World” on June 9, please CLICK HERE.

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