Dear Family Coach: My wife and I are constantly encouraging our children, who are 7 and 11 years old, to read anything, but especially chapter books. Our latest strategy is to reward them for finishing a series of books. For example, when my son finished the entire "Harry Potter" series he was rewarded with a Nerf gun. Is this the wrong approach? And if so, how should we try to ease our way out of it? — Bookworm Dad

Dear Dad: Reading is absolutely important to the academic success of your children. But more importantly, reading a good book is one of the truest pleasures available to everyone for free. It certainly makes sense to encourage good reading habits. The problem is that some children struggle to find the joy in reading. Some kids' skills make reading arduous. Other children are over programmed lacking the time to slow down with a good book. And still, other kids just find books to be too boring. The good news is there are many ways to combat all of these issues.

There's nothing wrong with rewarding kids for reading. However, I'd lose the focus on chapter books and book series. Finding books of interest to your children is vital to encourage them to read. Let them pick their books. Try comics, graphic novels, thicker picture books, magazines, newspaper sports pages, The Guinness Book of World Records or the incredible line of kids' books from National Geographic. If you want the kids to read more substantial chapter books, consider reading to them. Have a family book club, or create a book/movie series that includes reading a book together and then watching the movie and discussing the adaptation. Visit interesting bookstores or cool libraries around your area or while you're on vacation. Make books a treat instead of a chore, and be creative.

It may take some time for the children to find their love of a good book, so don't give up. Just keep trying to find the right book for each of them instead of force-feeding them what you want them to read.

Dear Family Coach: Some high school seniors in our area are starting to hear from colleges. Our son had a few tough years due to anxiety and depression. We put no pressure on him regarding his acceptances or his college choice. We are just so thankful he is healthy and graduating. But college seems to be all that is discussed around town these days. How can I help protect my son from the constant barrage of questions about college, since his choices will likely be very different from that of most of his peers? — Over College Mom

Dear College Mom: It sounds like you have a very healthy attitude about your son's future. Many parents get so caught up in the hype and the bragging rights that they forget to consider what might be best for their child. As you rightly point out, the most important point is that your son's mental health has improved and that he is graduating. His trials and tribulations will lead him down his own path, whatever that may be.

I'd start by having a powwow with your son. It's possible he isn't bothered by all the questions and excitement. He might proudly point out that he struggled a lot in the last few years and be excited about his prospects. If he is sounding a bit uneasy about making it through the next few months, you might have to do some role-playing to help him navigate questions. Maybe come up with a few simple responses he can give. Lastly, help him remember what's important and remind him how proud you are of his accomplishments.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at questions@thefamilycoach.com. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.