How to Encourage Reading in Kids: Reading Tips for Parents Who’ve Tried Everything
- andeh asong
- Aug 13
- 7 min read
Table of Contents
If you've ever sighed at your child's groans when you suggest reading, you're not alone. Even educators and literacy specialists have faced pushback from kids who'd rather do just about anything else. The truth is, most parents have been there, and the journey to raising a reader is rarely straightforward. The good news? Whether your child is a reluctant reader or just starting, you can make a big difference, often faster than you think.
Here's what genuinely helps kids become readers, why it works, and how you can get started today.
Why Some Kids Don't Love Reading (and Why That's Okay)
It's easy to worry if your child struggles with reading books right away. But just like learning to ride a bike, reading is a skill. And some kids need a gentler introduction or extra encouragement in order for them to pick up reading. For some, reading feels like work. For others, it's just not their go-to hobby (yet). And for a few, there could be underlying learning challenges making things harder.
Here's what's key: Avoid panic. Instead, focus on building small, positive experiences with books. Your child's attitude toward reading can change with the right support and a bit of patience.
How to Encourage Reading in Kids
So, what actually works? Here's how to set the stage for your child's reading success and how to keep things moving forward when motivation dips.
Let Them Choose (and Why That Matters)
Kids love to have more say when they get to pick their books. This isn't just about "letting go". It's about teaching autonomy and building their interest in books. If your child wants to read joke books, comics, or even cereal boxes, that's a win-win.
How to do it:
Visit the library or bookstore regularly and let your child take charge, even if their picks aren't "literary."
Rotate books at home so there's always something "new" to discover.
If your child's stuck on one book or series, that's okay! Re-reading builds confidence and helps with fluency.
Pro tip: If you're worried about quality, sneak in a few of your picks but don't force them.
Make Reading a Ritual, Not a Rule
Rituals are comforting, and consistency helps kids build habits. But implementing strict rules? Those always backfire. The goal is to make reading feel natural and not a punishment or chore.
How to do it:
Link reading to a relaxing part of your day: after dinner, before bed, or during a lazy breakfast.
Create a "reading moment" that fits your schedule, even ten minutes counts.
Pair reading with something enjoyable: cozy blankets, a favourite snack, a special lamp, etc.
Why it works: When reading is part of a warm routine, kids associate it with comfort and attention, not pressure.
Repetition is Normal (and Good)
If your child wants the same story every night, be happy. Repetition builds mastery and gives them a deeper understanding. Kids will sometimes notice new details, anticipate what's next, and develop a narrative memory.
How to do it:
Read with enthusiasm, even if you're bored. Most kids feed off your energy.
Change up the routine occasionally: let your child "read" to you, act out scenes, or make up silly voices for the characters.
Why it works: Familiarity is comforting. Re-reading helps struggling readers feel confident and helps all kids notice the structure of stories.
Keep Reading Aloud (Even After They Learn to Read)
Reading aloud isn't just for preschoolers. Older kids benefit from you reading aloud too. Hearing stories expands vocabulary, builds listening skills, and exposes your child to more complex plots and language structures than they might tackle on their own.
How to do it:
Keep a family read-aloud going, even if your child can read on their own.
Choose books a bit above your child's independent level for a challenge.
Discuss what you read: pause to ask questions, wonder aloud, and invite predictions.
Why it works: Shared reading creates connection and lets your child model how to handle tricky words or confusing parts.
Reading Tips for Parents
Here's how you can actively support your child's reading growth, even if time is short and enthusiasm is low.
Create a Reading Space
Having a welcoming reading nook sends the message that books matter and that reading is something special.
How to do it:
Set up a small corner with pillows, a soft light, and a basket of books.
Let your child help to decorate as ownership increases excitement.
Rotate books often so the selection stays fresh.
Why it works: Physical environment influences habits. Even reluctant readers are drawn to a cozy, personalized space.
Make Reading Social
Reading doesn't have to be a solo activity. Some kids, especially extroverts, are more motivated when books are shared.
How to do it:
Trade reading time with a friend, cousin or sibling, where each person reads a page.
Try "buddy reading" with you or a sibling, alternating lines or pages.
Share funny parts or pictures with the family.
Why it works: Shared laughter and discussion keep kids engaged, and reading aloud to others builds fluency and confidence.
Embrace Technology
Digital tools can be a huge help, especially for reluctant or struggling readers.
How to do it:
Borrow audiobooks from your local library or try podcasts for kids.
E-readers can be exciting (especially if your child selects the books).
Use apps for interactive stories or vocabulary games.
Why it works: Audiobooks and digital reading remove some barriers and let kids experience stories in a fun and new way. Plus, Listening is still literacy!
Celebrate Effort and Progress (Not Just Results)
Kids need to know that trying matters more than perfection. This builds resilience and confidence.
How to do it:
Point out small wins: "I noticed you didn't give up on that tricky word!" or "You picked a longer book tonight—nice!"
Avoid correcting every mistake. Let your child finish and then gently revisit tough spots.
Mark milestones, such as finishing a book. Celebrate with a special treat or a new bookmark.
Why it works: Positive reinforcement motivates kids to keep going, even when reading is hard.
How to Teach Preschoolers to Read
With younger kids, keep things playful, interactive, and low-pressure. The foundation you build now will pay off for years.
Start With Sounds
Phonological awareness, hearing and playing with the sounds of language- comes before letter recognition.
How to do it:
Sing songs, clap out syllables, and play rhyming games.
Emphasize beginning sounds in words: "Mmm-milk starts with M!"
Make up silly word games in the car or at the grocery store.
Why it works: Sound awareness is the foundation for decoding words later on.
Make Letters Concrete
Young children learn best by doing.
How to do it:
Use letter magnets on the fridge to build simple words or match letters to objects.
Shape letters with playdough or trace them with fingers in sand or any cream.
Draw letters with sidewalk chalk and hop from one to the next.
Why it works: Engaging multiple senses helps cement learning.
Read the World Around You
Print is everywhere, so help your child notice it.
How to do it:
Point out store signs, package labels, or street names.
Invite your child to "read" familiar logos or words they see every day.
Let them help with the grocery list by finding items that start with a specific letter.
Why it works: Connecting reading to real life makes it practical and fun.
Don't Stress Mistakes
Every child learns at their own pace. Celebrate attempts, not just accuracy.
How to do it:
Cheer on your child for trying new words.
If they get stuck, offer a hint or model sounding it out, but don't turn it into a test.
If their attention wanders, take a break and try again later.
What "Children Reading" Really Looks Like
Forget the image of a silent child curled up with a book. Real reading can be messy, interactive, and loud. Some kids act out stories, "read" the pictures, or make up their own endings. That's all part of the process.
Please encourage your child to engage with books in whatever way that feels right for them. If they want to retell the story with toys or draw what happened, that's valuable, too. Every positive encounter with a book counts.
When Kids Resist: Troubleshooting
If you're stuck, try mixing things up:
Change the time of day. Some kids are too tired at bedtime. So try mornings or after school.
Offer different genres. Comics, magazines, joke books, and even "how-to" guides count.
Let them take a break. Sometimes, stepping back is the best way to rekindle curiosity.
Mix up the format. Try audiobooks or "read-along" videos for a fresh start.
Progress is never a straight line, and sometimes the only thing you can do is step back and wait for your child's curiosity to return.
Raising a Lifelong Reader
If there's one rule, it's this: Keep it positive and follow your child's lead. The most important thing is that your child enjoys books and reading. The pressure and perfectionism can wait.
If you're worried about your child's progress in reading, The Literacy Corner is here to help. Reach out for personalized support by booking a no-commitment free consultation here, or contact us directly.
Raising a reader isn't about having all the answers or following a rigid plan. It's about small, joyful moments and meeting your child where they are. Start there, and the rest will follow.
