Their reluctance to read is often a clue, not a conclusion. Kids may not actually hate reading; they may just be frustrated, bored, or unsure where to begin.
Here’s how to uncover what’s really going on and reignite their interest in books:
Ask why, without judgment
Start with a simple, open-ended question like:
“Can you tell me what you don’t like about reading?”
You might hear:
“It’s too hard.”
“It’s boring.”
“I never get to pick the book.”
“I don’t understand what I read.”
Understanding the root issue helps you respond with solutions.
Let them choose the books
Let them pick reading that suits them. It doesn’t have to be a storybook. They can pick less daunting reading, such as:
Comics or graphic novels
Joke books
Cookbooks
Magazines about animals, sports, or space.
Any reading counts. Even if it’s not “classic literature,” the goal is to build fluency, confidence, and motivation.
Check for hidden challenges
Struggling readers often say they hate reading because it feels embarrassing or exhausting. Consider:
Vision problems (blurry text, headaches)
Reading difficulties like dyslexia
Confidence gaps (reading aloud in class, tricky vocabulary)
If reading seems unusually frustrating, talk to a teacher or reading specialist.
Make reading social
Try:
Reading together (you read one page, they read the next).
Audiobooks they can follow along with.
Book-themed plays (acting out scenes, drawing characters).
Turn reading into an activity. Don’t make it a chore.
Match books to their interests
Some kids are natural explorers or animal lovers. Others are interested in sports, space, or silly stories. Try:
“I Survived” books for adventure.
National Geographic Kids for fact lovers.
Dog Man or Diary of a Whimpy Kid for humor.
Minecraft or LEGO storybooks for kids who love to build.
The right book can flip the switch from “I don’t like reading” to “Can we read more?”
Celebrate progress, not perfection
Notice the small wins:
“You sounded out that word all by yourself!”
“I love how you figured out what might happen next.”
Building a reader takes time. Celebrate effort, not just accuracy.
The goal isn’t to turn your child into a bookworm overnight. It’s to help them find their own path to reading success.
