Would you rather read a chapter book or a magazine?
As a lifelong book lover, it’s hard for me to imagine not enjoying a good story or losing myself in a book. But as a tutor, I hear it all the time: “My kid doesn’t like reading.” Parents are often frustrated, unsure how to encourage their children without turning reading into a battle.
Here’s the good news: most kids who say they don’t like reading simply haven’t found the right kind of material yet. Notice that word yet. Just like finding a favorite food, sport, or hobby, discovering a love for reading takes exposure, experimentation, and patience.
Why Your Child Says He or She “Doesn’t Like Reading”
If your child doesn’t like reading, it may not be because they dislike stories or learning. Instead, they may have:
- Only been exposed to one kind of text (like chapter books).
- Struggled with reading comprehension or fluency.
- Associated reading with schoolwork or tests instead of fun.
- Not yet discovered a topic or format that excites them.
The truth is, every child can enjoy reading; it’s just a matter of finding the right doorway.
Expand the Definition of Reading
When we think about “reading,” many of us picture novels or textbooks. But if a child doesn’t like reading, maybe it’s because they’ve only seen it in that form.
Reading can be so much more:
- Fiction and nonfiction
- Sports articles and gaming tips
- Cookbooks and recipes
- Product reviews and manuals
- Graphic novels and comics
- Popular science or true crime
- Magazines, biographies, or memoirs
- Poetry and picture books
- Travel brochures, maps, and train schedules
- Rule books for board games
- Historical accounts of favorite places
The list goes on! If your child doesn’t like reading, broaden their options. Sometimes the right entry point is a comic book, a sports article, or even a dessert recipe.
Use the Power of Reading Aloud
One of the best strategies for reluctant readers is reading aloud. Parents can bring stories to life by reading the first chapter of a book together. Once curiosity is sparked, children are much more likely to continue on their own.
Try this: choose two or three books you think your child might like. Read the back covers together, then read aloud the first few pages. Suddenly, the choice feels less overwhelming and more engaging.
This is also where the library becomes a secret weapon. Librarians are wonderful at recommending books based on hobbies or past favorites. My daughter, for instance, loved forensic science books and would head straight to that section every visit.
My Personal “Lightbulb” Moment
For me, the struggle wasn’t reading; it was listening. I wanted to enjoy audiobooks, but no matter how many I tried, I couldn’t get into them. I thought it was the stories or the narrators.
Then I discovered podcasts designed for listening, and suddenly I couldn’t get enough. I found myself going for more walks just to hear the next episode.
That experience taught me something: when someone says he or she “doesn’t like reading,” it often means they haven’t found the right format. One of my students lit up when his dad shared daily sports news with him. Another discovered a love for cookbooks, especially picking out new desserts. A reluctant reader in my tutoring program realized she actually enjoyed a school-assigned novel, and when she found out it was part of a series, we asked mom for the next one.
Tips for Parents of Kids Who Don’t Like Reading
If your child says they don’t like reading, try these proven strategies:
- Read aloud the first few pages of a book together.
- Offer a variety of options (but not too many at once).
- Set aside family reading time where everyone reads something.
- Visit the library often and explore new sections.
- Encourage reading about hobbies and personal interests.
- Keep books, magazines, or comics handy when traveling.
Remember not to force only chapter books. Let them choose materials that feel fun, interesting, and manageable.
When to Seek Extra Help
Sometimes a child doesn’t like reading because they’re struggling with decoding, fluency, or comprehension. In these cases, extra support can make all the difference. A private tutor can help build confidence and make reading less stressful.
Helpful resources:
- 5 Reasons to Hire a Private Tutor
- 10 Reading Questions to Ask Your Child
- Free & Easy Way to Improve Reading Achievement
Final Thoughts
If your child says he or she “doesn’t like reading,” don’t panic. It doesn’t mean they’ll never become a reader. It just means they haven’t yet found the right material, format, or spark of curiosity. With patience, variety, and encouragement, you can help them move from “I don’t like reading” to “Can we read another one?”
Table Talk: Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? What other formats for reading could we add to this list?
Want to know what podcasts hooked me? Check out these wherever you listen.
https://lemonadamedia.com/show/pack-one-bag/
I never would have chosen these next two on my own, but I found a podcast that gave samples of each of these. See why reading aloud a few pages might help your reluctant reader?!