When Your Child Doesn’t Love Reading: What Parents Can Do

Your Child Doesn’t Love Reading: What To Do 

If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably worried at some point about your child’s reading. Maybe your son groans every time you ask him to pick up a book. Maybe your daughter used to love story time but now rolls her eyes when you suggest it. Or maybe you’ve noticed your child isn’t reading at the level you think they should be.

These worries are normal. Reading is such a big part of school—and life—that it can feel scary when your child doesn’t seem interested. You may wonder if they’re falling behind or if something is wrong.

Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Many parents struggle with the same concerns. And the good news is, with some patience, creativity, and encouragement, you can help your child rediscover the joy of reading.

First, let’s talk about why kids lose interest. Sometimes reading feels like hard work. If your child struggles with certain words or has a hard time sitting still, books may feel more like a chore than fun. Other times, kids simply haven’t found the right kind of story that excites them. In a world full of video games, YouTube, and social media, books can seem “boring” in comparison—unless we show them otherwise.

As parents, it’s easy to panic and push harder. But often, forcing them to read makes the problem worse. Instead, it helps to approach it with curiosity and gentleness. Here are three simple but powerful ways to turn things around.

One way is to give your child the power of choice. Too often, kids are handed books that don’t interest them. Imagine being told to read a subject you find dull—it wouldn’t be fun for you either. The same is true for kids. Take them to the library or bookstore and let them pick. Don’t worry if they reach for graphic novels, joke books, or magazines about their favorite hobby. Reading is reading. Once a child feels free to explore, they’re more likely to stick with it.

Another way is to make reading part of family life, not just homework. Kids learn from what they see. If they never see you reading, they might think it’s something only done in school. But when they see you enjoying a novel, flipping through a magazine, or even reading recipes, they notice. Reading together also matters. Even older kids love being read to. Curling up on the couch and sharing a chapter can build a sense of closeness and remind them that reading is about connection, not just assignments.

A third way is to connect books to their real-world interests. If your child loves soccer, find a story about a soccer player. If they’re into animals, try a funny series about pets. Kids are far more likely to enjoy reading when it links to what they already care about. You can also use movies or shows as a bridge. If they love a superhero movie, look for the comic or novel version. Suddenly, reading doesn’t feel like a school task—it feels like part of their world.

Remember, building a love for reading takes time. You don’t have to fix it overnight. Celebrate small victories, like finishing a short book or laughing over a silly story. Every positive moment with reading helps build confidence.

It’s also important not to compare your child to others. Every reader develops at their own pace. Some kids take off early, while others warm up later. What matters most is that they don’t give up—and that they feel supported, not pressured.

Think of reading like planting a seed. At first, you may not see much happening. But with the right soil, sunlight, and care, that seed will sprout and grow. In the same way, when you give your child encouragement, choices, and chances to connect reading with what they love, their interest will grow, too.

So if you’re worried about your child’s reading, take heart. You’re not failing as a parent, and your child is not doomed to struggle forever. With a little creativity, a lot of patience, and some fun along the way, you can help them rediscover the wonder of books.

One day, you might just find them curled up with a story, lost in another world—and you’ll know the seed you planted is finally blooming.