The easiest way to make reading more enjoyable is to give children more choice, reduce unnecessary pressure, and connect books to their interests.
If your child says, “I don't like reading,” don't assume they simply dislike books. Reading may feel too difficult, boring, or disconnected from what they enjoy.
The solution is often to change the reading experience.
Let Your Child Choose the Topic
A child who doesn't want to read a traditional story may happily read about:
- Dinosaurs
- Space
- Animals
- Cars
- Sports
- Magic
- Science experiments
- Favorite characters
Interest can be a powerful reason to pick up a book.
The goal isn't to make every book educational. The goal is to help children develop a positive relationship with reading.
Turn Reading Into a Game
Try a simple reading challenge to make sessions interactive. For example:
- Find three words that start with “S”
- Find a word you don't know
- Predict what happens next
- Find the funniest sentence
These activities turn passive reading into active participation.
Read Together
Your child doesn't have to read every single word independently.
Take turns reading pages. You can read a paragraph and let your child read the next one. For younger children, you can read the entire story and pause to ask questions.
This creates shared reading time without putting all the pressure on the child.
Use Books at the Right Level
One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is choosing books that are too difficult.
If your child struggles with almost every sentence, reading can quickly become frustrating.
Choose books that your child can read comfortably, and occasionally introduce slightly more challenging material with your guidance and support.
Don't Turn Every Reading Session Into a Test
Constantly asking questions like:
- “What does this word mean?”
- “What happened?”
- “What's the main idea?”
...can make reading feel like homework.
Questions are useful, but children also need opportunities to simply enjoy a story. Balance skill-building with enjoyment.
Try Reading Beyond Traditional Books
Reading doesn't have to mean only novels or picture books. Children can read:
- Comics and graphic novels
- Magazines
- Recipes
- Menus
- Instructions and guides
- Short nonfiction
- Joke books
- Interesting trivia and facts
The important thing is that your child is engaging with written language.
What If Reading Is Not Fun Because It's Difficult?
Sometimes a child doesn't dislike reading itself—they dislike struggling with reading.
If your child has difficulty with phonics, decoding, fluency, or comprehension, simply offering more books may not solve the problem.
Targeted reading help for kids may be more appropriate. A reading tutor for children can identify the skills that are making reading difficult and provide individualized practice.
How Rising Reader Makes Reading More Personal
Rising Reader provides personalized 1:1 reading tutoring for children, allowing instruction to focus on each learner's individual reading needs.
When children receive support at an appropriate level, reading practice can become more manageable and confidence can grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my child interested in reading?
Let them choose books based on their interests, read together, introduce different types of reading materials, and avoid turning every reading session into a test.
What if my child says they hate reading?
Find out whether the problem is difficulty, boredom, or lack of interest. Starting with easier and more engaging reading material can help.
Should I force my child to read?
Creating a consistent reading routine is useful, but excessive pressure can make reading feel negative. Aim for regular, supportive practice.
Can a reading tutor help a child who dislikes reading?
If reading avoidance is related to difficulty with foundational skills, individualized tutoring may help address those challenges and rebuild confidence.