If your child doesn’t want to read, you’re not alone. This was the case with my older daughter.
Some kids say they hate reading. Others avoid it, rush through it, or shut down completely. This doesn’t mean your child can’t read or won’t become a reader. It usually means something about reading feels hard, frustrating, or pressured right now.
The good news? There are ways to help a child who doesn’t want to read—without forcing, bribing, or turning reading into a daily power struggle.
Read Alongside Your Child
One of the simplest ways to help a child who resists reading is to read alongside them.
Instead of hovering or correcting, sit nearby and read your own book while your child reads theirs. This turns reading into a shared habit rather than a task.
Reading alongside your child:
- Models reading as a normal, daily activity
- Reduces pressure and performance anxiety
- Helps reluctant readers feel supported, not monitored
When kids see adults reading regularly, reading feels purposeful—not forced.
Let Them Choose Their Own Books (Even If They’re Below Reading Level)
If your child doesn’t want to read, book choice matters more than level.
Allowing kids to choose books—even ones that feel “too easy”—helps:
- Build reading confidence
- Improve fluency
- Reduce frustration and avoidance
Children who feel successful while reading are far more likely to keep going. Confidence comes before challenge, especially for reluctant readers.
Make Reading Daily—but Low Pressure
Consistency is key when helping a child who doesn’t want to read.
Instead of long reading sessions that happen only when you push for them, aim for:
- Short, daily reading
- A predictable routine
- Everyone reading at the same time
When reading happens every day and everyone participates, it becomes part of life—not something your child can opt out of or resist endlessly. It took a couple of weeks to get in the routine, but now it’s just something we do every night.
Use Incentives (Yes, Really)
If your child hates reading or strongly resists it, incentives can be helpful.
Used thoughtfully, incentives:
- Encourage consistency
- Lower resistance
- Help reluctant readers get started
The goal isn’t to rely on rewards forever. The goal is to make reading feel manageable and positive long enough for confidence to grow.
Try a Reading Bingo Game
A reading bingo game adds motivation without pressure.
Bingo squares might include:
- Read in a cozy spot
- Read with a parent or sibling
- Read a nonfiction book
- Read before bed
Once the board is complete, offer a small prize, special activity, or choice-based reward. This keeps reading fun and achievable.
Let Kids Earn a Small Amount of Money for Reading
Some families find success letting kids earn a small amount of money for reading.
For example:
- 5–15¢ per night for reading
- Reading every night adds up to about $50 per year
- Encourages consistency and responsibility
- Supports money skills like counting and saving
This approach works best when framed as earning, not paying kids to read.
Let Them Stay Up Late to Read
Letting kids stay up late to read can be surprisingly effective—especially for older children. This was a huge one for my oldest daughter!
The rule is simple: they can stay up later only if they’re reading.
This:
- Turns reading into a privilege
- Removes pressure
- Helps reading feel like a choice
For many kids, this is the shift that changes their attitude toward reading.
A Final Thought on Helping a Child Who Doesn’t Want to Read
Incentives help kids start. Confidence and connection help them continue.
When reading feels easier and more predictable, resistance often fades. Small, consistent changes can help rebuild your child’s relationship with reading—one day at a time.
Readers Are Raised: Nurturing a Love of Reading at Home 
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