Every parent wants their child to read more. We’ve all heard it: “Reading builds imagination,” “Books are better than screens,” or “Readers do better in school.” While all of this is true, it’s also true that some kids just don’t want to read. And here’s the thing: The more you push, the more they pull away.The trick isn’t to force reading. It’s to make it feel like something fun, something personal. Just like no two kids like the same foods, no two kids will enjoy reading the exact same way. So how do you encourage a lifelong love of books without turning it into a chore? It starts with curiosity, freedom, and a little bit of creativity.
Don’t start with “shoulds”
When kids hear “you should read more,” they immediately feel like it’s homework. The goal is to help them discover reading as a way to explore, laugh, imagine, and even relax. Let go of rigid rules about what they “should” be reading. A comic book, a joke book, even a book of weird animal facts, all of it counts.
Follow their interests, not yours
This is a big one. If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, find books about dinosaurs. If they like superheroes, start there. If they prefer real stories about people or events, try biographies or adventure books based on real-life stories.You may love quiet literary novels or magical fantasy, but if your kid isn’t into it, that’s okay. What matters is that the book feels like it was written for them.
Make books visible and easy to reach
Out of sight, out of mind. If books are buried on a high shelf or only come out at bedtime, they may not seem like part of everyday life. Try keeping a few books in the living room, some in the car, or even in the kitchen. Let them stumble across a book the way they might a forgotten toy.Even better, let them own their space. A little bookshelf in their room filled with their favorite picks can work wonders.
Don’t correct, just connect
When a child is learning to read, it’s tempting to jump in with corrections. But constantly pointing out mistakes can make them feel self-conscious. Instead, sit beside them and read along gently. Laugh when something’s funny. Ask what they think about the story. Let it feel like a shared experience, not a test.
Turn reading into something social
Kids love doing what their friends are doing. Try organizing a mini book club with just a couple of their buddies. They don’t need to sit around a table and analyze chapters; just let them talk about what they liked, what surprised them, or what made them laugh.Even better, try family reading time where everyone parents included reads their own book side by side. No pressure, just quiet time together with stories.
Mix up the format
Not every kid likes sitting still with a book. That’s fine. Try audiobooks on car rides or while they’re building with Legos. Let them read along with graphic novels, which combine text with illustrations. Many kids who struggle with traditional chapter books thrive with visual storytelling.
Celebrate books in real life
If a book mentions a certain food, try cooking it together. If a story happens in a forest, plan a walk in the woods and talk about it. Making the connection between books and life can help kids see reading as a doorway, not just a task.Reading isn’t about finishing a set number of pages or collecting gold stars. It’s about building a habit of curiosity, one story at a time. When kids feel like they’re choosing books instead of being pushed toward them, everything changes.The best thing you can do is be patient, offer variety, and let the spark happen naturally. After all, once they fall in love with one book, chances are they’ll go looking for the next one on their own.
