By Beverly Fitzsimmons, Certified Reading Specialist
“Do I have to read?” If that question sounds familiar, you are not alone. Some children avoid reading because it feels difficult. Others have not found something that interests them, are tired after a busy day, or associate reading time with pressure.
Start with a small goal: help your child experience reading as something they can enjoy and do successfully. A little choice, support, and a welcoming place to read can make reading time more inviting.
Notice what makes reading feel hard
Ask gently, “What part of reading don’t you like?” Listen without trying to talk your child out of their answer. A book may feel too long, the words may be difficult, or the topic may simply be unappealing.
If reading the words takes a great deal of effort, encouragement alone will not make the text easier. Choose manageable practice material, help with unfamiliar words, and keep teaching the skills your child needs. Motivation and reading instruction work together.
Let your child choose what to read
Give your child a real say in the reading material. Books, comics, magazines, joke collections, poetry, recipes, and nonfiction about a favorite topic can all invite reading.
For independent practice, offer several choices your child can read successfully. For reading together, let them choose something more challenging and help with the harder parts. You can say, “Would you like the animal book or the funny story?” rather than choosing everything yourself.
A favorite book does not have to be new. Rereading a familiar story can give a child a comfortable starting point.
Follow your child’s interests
Think about what your child talks about, plays with, or wants to learn. Dinosaurs, soccer, space, pets, building, and cooking can all provide a reason to open a book.
Try a short piece of reading with a purpose: learn one surprising animal fact, read a joke to someone, or follow a simple recipe together. Reading does not always need to begin with finishing an entire book.
Try a change of scenery
Sometimes a different setting can make reading feel more inviting. Try reading outside on a blanket, inside a tent or homemade fort, or in a cozy reading nook with pillows.
Let your child help choose or arrange the spot. A basket of favorite books and a comfortable place to sit may be all you need. Keep the area well lit so the print is easy to see.
The setting should help your child settle in. If the fort or outdoor activity becomes distracting, try a quieter spot. You do not need an elaborate setup or anything new to buy.
Read together and share the work
Your child does not have to read every word alone. Take turns with a sentence, paragraph, or page, depending on what they can manage. You might read first and let your child reread a short section, or read a passage together.
If your child gets stuck, help them use the letters and sounds to read the word. If they still need help, tell them the word and continue. Keep the story moving while giving them opportunities to practice.
Use a comfortable pace. Reading time should feel like working together, rather than a performance your child must get right.
Keep practice short and give it a clear ending
A reluctant reader may find “Let’s read” overwhelming if they do not know how much reading is expected. Agree on a small, clear goal before you begin: one short passage, a few sentences, or a brief practice session.
Say, “We’ll read this page together, and then we’ll stop.” Follow through on that promise. Avoid adding several more pages just because the first one went well.
Build from a manageable routine. The amount of practice can grow as reading becomes easier and your child’s willingness increases.
Notice effort and progress
Make encouragement specific: “You checked the sounds when that word was tricky,” “You read that sentence more smoothly the second time,” or “You stayed with it even when you needed help.”
Avoid comparing your child with siblings or classmates. Notice their own progress, including small steps. Ask what felt easier today so they can begin recognizing their successes, too.
Keep read aloud time enjoyable
Continue reading aloud to your child, even as they learn to read independently. They can enjoy stories and ideas beyond what they can decode on their own.
Keep some book time free of required questions, worksheets, or reading turns. Share a laugh, talk naturally about an interesting part, or simply enjoy listening together.
Read aloud time supports enjoyment and conversation. It can sit alongside short, focused practice with the reading skills your child is learning.
Download the Free My Reading Choices Printable
Let your child choose what to read, where to read, and how you will read together. This simple printable includes a small reading plan and space to share something they enjoyed.
Download My Reading Choices — Free Printable
Try one small change today
Let your child choose something to read and a comfortable place to enjoy it. Share the reading, agree on a manageable stopping point, and finish with one specific piece of encouragement.
You do not have to change everything at once. Notice what helps your child feel more willing, capable, and comfortable, and use that as your starting point.
For more practical guidance and free resources, visit Reading Tips & Help. For focused practice matched to your child’s current skills, explore the Building Strong Readers workbooks and sample pages.