How to Get My Child to Like Reading: Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers
- Hammond Bell Educational Services, LLC
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
We get this question all the time—and if you’re asking it, you’re definitely not alone. If your child avoids reading, gets frustrated with books, or groans at the sight of a chapter title—it’s not your fault, and it’s not theirs either.
Reading can feel overwhelming, especially for kids who find it difficult. Practicing a skill they don’t feel successful at can chip away at their confidence (and even create negative reading habits). If you’ve ever thought, “Getting my child to read is like pulling teeth!”—you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll share simple, effective ways to help your child develop a more positive relationship with reading—even if it’s been a challenge up to now.
All Reading Is Good Reading
Right off the bat, we want to make something very clear. All reading is good reading! It doesn't have to always look like school assigned chapter books. One of the best things you can do is to broaden your idea of what counts as “real” reading.
Graphic novels, comic books, cookbooks, magazines, joke books, even manuals and JCPenney's catalogs (do they still make those?)—if your child is interested and engaging with any of these texts, it counts! We're creating opportunities for practice and confidence building without being critical of what they are reading.
The same goes for audiobooks. Audiobooks are a fantastic way for struggling readers to access stories and learn new information without the added obstacle of decoding (sounding out words). Listening builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for stories—all of which support future reading success.
When kids feel ownership over what they read (or listen to), it increases motivation. Letting your child choose their own reading material—even if it’s not what you would have picked—can be a game changer.
*Important Tip: Be mindful that books too far above your child’s reading level can lead to habits like guessing or skipping difficult words. While choice matters, it’s also important that reading materials are accessible and appropriately leveled. If a book seems too challenging, consider using it as a read-aloud or audiobook instead.
Make the Library an Adventure
The library is often such an underutilized resource, and it's free! What better way to explore new topics and genres (without having to worry about committing to a purchase that your child may not enjoy)? Turn a trip to the library into something special. Set up a weekly outing to go get some new books and grab ice cream after! Explore different sections, go on “book scavenger hunts,” or try out a new genre each week. Many libraries also have read-aloud events, activity kits, or themed displays that make reading feel fun and low-pressure.
Bonus tip: let your child get their own library card if they don’t already have one. Ownership matters!
Use Reading to Connect, Not Correct
It’s so tempting to correct every misread word, but for struggling readers, that can make reading feel like a test and make them resent it even more. Instead, try to create cozy, positive experiences with books—read together, laugh at funny stories, or talk about what might happen next. Of course, if you're noticing frequent mistakes, that is a sign that what they're reading is not at the right level for them. When this happens you can encourage the use of audiobooks for that material, or ask if you can do a read aloud. Alternatively, it doesn't hurt for kids to just be surrounded by books for comfort, so if they want to sit and look at pictures and read captions that's great too! Proximity and exposure are very important.
And here’s an important one: never use reading as a punishment (e.g., “Go to your room and read!”). This can create negative associations that are hard to undo.
Find Their “Why”
Motivation matters—especially for kids who struggle. Help your child discover why reading is meaningful and important for them. Is it to follow a recipe? Is it so they can read what their friends are reading and talk about it after? Maybe it's simply to learn cool new facts about their favorite animal! For some kids, solve a mystery in a fun book might be all it takes. Believe it or not, many libraries have entire sections dedicated to Minecraft books, which can even help kids sharpen their gaming skills! Whatever the motivation is, when reading is connected to real-life interests, it starts to matter more.
Incorporate reading into things they already love—subtitles during a favorite show, instructions for a game, or a comic strip about a favorite superhero.
Celebrate Effort, Not Just Accuracy (or speed)
Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate milestones like reading a new word, finishing a paragraph, or choosing to read without being asked. Did they spend more time reading today than they did yesterday? That's cause for a celebration! For students with dyslexia, those moments are huge wins—and they need to be recognized.
Get to the Root of the Struggle: Tips for Parents of Struggling Readers
If you notice that your child always avoids reading, gets tired quickly, or has trouble remembering words they’ve already read, it’s worth exploring whether a reading difference like dyslexia could be contributing. Early intervention is always the best option, but it's never too late. We even work with adults to make them strong readers and spellers!
Students with dyslexia are bright and capable—but they need to be taught to read in a different way. That’s where the Orton-Gillingham approach comes in.
Orton-Gillingham is a super structured, multisensory (even online!), and research-based method designed specifically for students who struggle with reading and spelling. It breaks down language in a clear, step-by-step way and helps students build confidence and real skills—often for the first time.
When students start to feel successful, their motivation and desire to read naturally increase. It’s not just about learning to read—it’s about finally feeling like a reader.
Final Thoughts: How to Get My Child to Like Reading
Helping your child grow a love of reading is a journey, especially if they’re struggling. But with encouragement, consistency, access to books they actually like, and the right kind of support, your child can begin to see reading not as an obstacle and a source of stress—but as a hobby and a open door to so many cool things.
And remember: all reading is good reading. Keep celebrating what they can do, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
If you’d like to learn more about how the Orton-Gillingham approach can support your child, we’re here to help. Reach out for a free consultation or visit www.hammondbell.com to learn more.
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