How to Encourage a Dyslexic 11-Year-Old to Keep Loving Stories

When reading gets harder, but stories still matter

If you’re the parent of a dyslexic child, especially around the age of 11, you may have noticed a shift. Maybe they used to love bedtime stories, or get excited about characters and plots. Now, reading can be a battleground. The books feel harder. The words don’t cooperate. Your child may say, "I hate reading" — but what they might really mean is, "Reading makes me feel like I’m not good enough." And that can quietly dim their love for stories, imagination, and learning itself.

But here’s the important truth: A child can struggle with reading and still love stories. The joy of narrative doesn’t have to disappear just because reading is tough. In fact, protecting that love might be one of the kindest and most helpful things you can do during this stage of your child’s educational journey. Let’s explore how to keep the spark alive — gently, creatively, and without pressure.

Stories aren’t just on the page

A common assumption is that loving stories means loving to read books, and that’s where many dyslexic children start to feel like something is wrong with them. But storytelling exists in many forms — spoken word, video, theater, audio content, even imaginative play. Giving a child other ways to connect with narrative can preserve their sense of curiosity while reducing the pressure to read every word on a page.

Let’s say your child is fascinated by mythical creatures or space travel. Finding a podcast about dragons or listening to science fiction audiobooks gives them access to those worlds they crave — without the mental exhaustion of decoding text. It’s not cheating. It’s support.

Using tools like the iOS or Android versions of the LISN Kids App, for example, offers original audio stories tailored for children ages 3–12. Instead of reading becoming a chore, your child can rediscover the magic of storytelling through immersive episodes created just for them.

Leave perfection at the door

For many dyslexic children, the classroom brings repeated reminders of what’s “wrong” with how they read. That pressure can slowly bleed into home life: every moment around books becomes a lesson, every hesitation a frustration. It’s no wonder children start distancing themselves from the very thing they once loved.

Parents often feel caught in a bind: wanting to encourage reading without making it a battleground. A powerful mindset shift here is to remember that consistency and joy > correctness and speed.

If your child wants to flip through a graphic novel and only follow some of the text, that’s okay. If they like reading dialogue aloud in funny voices but skip the narration, let them. The goal isn’t to master reading tonight — the goal is that they come away feeling good about the time they spent with a story.

Make it a shared experience

At age 11, kids still crave connected time with parents, even if they express it in sideways ways. Making stories a shared activity — one without expectations — can rebuild positive associations with narrative. Consider:

• Reading to them — Yes, even at 11. Don’t worry if they can read “at grade level” or not. Reading to your child fosters engagement, deepens comprehension, and shows them that stories are a gift, not a test.
• Co-listening to audiobooks — Get lost in a series together. Pause and talk about characters. Let them engage emotionally, not just academically. Here’s how listening can also strengthen reading comprehension.
• Rotating storytelling duties — Encourage them to invent their own stories, or retell ones they know in silly ways. This builds narrative skill without demanding reading.

This togetherness offers emotional safety — something every child, dyslexic or not, desperately needs in their learning journey. You can read more about supporting a dyslexic child's emotions around school.

Protect the bedtime ritual

As children move toward adolescence, the comforting rhythm of bedtime stories sometimes fades — but for dyslexic kids, keeping it alive can be especially meaningful. It's a time of day when stories can be delivered without judgment. No comprehension quiz. No anxiety about fluency. Just imagination, humor, warmth.

This quiet, cozy time also strengthens the emotional bond between you and your child. Even a short chapter or audio story before bed can become a nurturing ritual. If you’re unsure how to build this into a preteen’s routine, this article offers ideas on transforming bedtime into a lasting storytelling tradition.

It’s not just about words. It’s about identity.

Finally, it’s important to remember that behind the struggle with reading lies something deeper: how your child sees themselves as a learner. Do they believe they’re smart? Creative? Capable? Your support tells them yes — loudly, clearly, and often.

If they’re showing signs of frustration, shame, or avoidance, it’s worth exploring what those emotions are rooted in. You might find support in articles like how to help your child move through dyslexia-related shame or understanding slow reading and early signs.

Through all of this, your open heart and creative flexibility are among the most powerful tools your child has. When we protect their access to stories — by voice, by ear, or by shared experience — we’re protecting their joy and their identity as learners. And that can last a lifetime.