5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reading with a Dyslexic Child

Understanding the Challenge Before Turning the Page

If you're reading with a dyslexic child, you've probably already felt the weight of wanting to help—but not always knowing how. Dyslexia isn't just a struggle with reading letters; it's often a deep and complex learning difference that affects confidence, motivation, and the family dynamic around education. Many well-meaning parents make small missteps during reading time, often without realizing it. These missteps aren't failures—they're just part of the learning curve for everyone involved.

Error #1: Pushing Through Difficult Texts Too Quickly

One of the most common mistakes parents make is expecting their child to "catch up" by covering more ground. It’s understandable—you see your child falling behind in school, and you want to help them close the gap. But when texts are too complex or overwhelming, children with dyslexia can quickly disengage, associating reading with failure and frustration.

Instead of focusing on quantity, focus on comfort and connection. Choose books they enjoy, even if they’re "below level." Repetition is not regression—returning to familiar texts builds fluency and confidence. You might also find this guide on appropriate daily reading time for dyslexic children helpful in setting the right pace.

Error #2: Correcting Every Mistake Immediately

The instinct to correct is strong. When your child misreads a word, your first reaction might be to gently interrupt with the right one. But constant correction—no matter how well-intentioned—can chip away at a child's self-esteem. It sends the message that the act of reading is about perfection, not engagement.

Instead, consider letting mistakes slide if they don’t interfere with overall comprehension. After the sentence or page is done, circle back to those tricky words in a non-judgmental tone. You could say, "That one was sneaky—want to try it again together?" This approach keeps the focus on learning, not performance.

Error #3: Ignoring the Power of Listening

Reading aloud isn’t the only way to engage with stories. In fact, for dyslexic children, listening to stories builds critical literacy skills without the pressure of decoding every word.

Consider weaving audiobook time into your child’s day—not as a replacement for reading, but as a complement. Listening helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and even narrative structure skills, which can later support their reading development. Tools like the iOS or Android versions of the LISN Kids App offer a rich library of original audiobooks and audio series designed for children aged 3–12. Whether your child loves adventure, humor, or fantasy, these stories can invite them into the world of books in a pressure-free way.

Error #4: Choosing Books That Don’t Ignite Their Imagination

Engagement is everything. If your child finds the characters boring or the plot too slow, it doesn't matter how "educational" the book may be—they’ll disengage. Dyslexic children already work harder to decode text, so they need a stronger emotional or narrative incentive to stay motivated.

Let your child guide the book selection as often as possible, even if their tastes surprise you. Graphic novels, joke books, and illustrated nonfiction can all be great entry points. And don’t underestimate the power of imagination: imaginative storytelling plays a major role in long-term reading development for dyslexic kids.

Error #5: Underestimating Emotional Fatigue

Parents often focus on the mechanics of reading—phonics, fluency, sight words—but overlook the emotional toll it can take on their child. If your child dreads reading time, it's not just a behavior problem; it could be a silent signal of stress or shame tied to their dyslexia.

Creating a predictable, safe, and supportive reading routine can make all the difference. Read together at the same time every day in a cozy, pressure-free space. Use humor, hugs, and patience liberally. And most importantly, celebrate effort more than outcome: "I love how you didn’t give up on that tricky word!" goes a long way.

If your child is just starting their journey with reading or recently diagnosed, this first-grade dyslexia support guide can offer a more structured approach for early-stage support.

Making Reading a Shared, Joyful Experience

Reading with a dyslexic child doesn’t have to be a battleground. With empathy, the right tools, and a few gentle shifts in approach, you can transform reading time into something your child looks forward to. Remember, you don’t need to “fix” dyslexia—you just need to walk alongside your child with patience and love.

And when you need extra support to enhance phonological awareness or keep literacy activities fun, this collection of phonological games and activities can be a helpful addition to your toolkit.