My Child Doesn’t Like Reading: How to Help Them Fall in Love with Stories in Other Ways

Understanding the Struggle with Reading

You're not alone. Many parents of children aged 6 to 12 find themselves staring at untouched books on a shelf, wondering why their child just doesn’t enjoy reading. Maybe you’ve tried everything: buying books on their favorite topics, taking weekly trips to the library, praising every paragraph they manage to finish. Still, the spark simply isn’t there.

Before frustration takes over, it’s worth taking a step back and asking: do they really dislike stories—or just the medium? Reading is just one way to access stories. For some children, especially those with learning difficulties, attention challenges, or school-related stress, parsing the words on a page can be a barrier to enjoying the adventures, the emotions, and the ideas books can offer.

Reframing What “Loving Stories” Looks Like

It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating “loving stories” with “loving books.” But think about it: movies, theater, podcasts, family storytelling—these are all ways we experience narrative. The key is to nurture your child’s relationship with stories in a format they feel good about. That might be the gateway to reading later, or it might not. And that's okay.

Instead of focusing on page count or chapters finished, look for signs they’re engaging with characters, asking questions, or reenacting a scene they’ve heard. Those moments count. They build the very skills—imagination, empathy, critical thinking—that reading aims to foster.

Storytelling Beyond the Page

Think about moments when your child is most attentive. Is it when you're tucking them in and making up a bedtime tale? During car rides where you two chat about imaginary planets? Or when they get hooked on a dramatic cartoon and quote it for weeks?

You can build on these natural connections. One deeply calming and screen-free activity to try is listening to audio stories on quiet afternoons or rainy days. If your child enjoys being read to, transitioning from shared reading to audio storytelling can spark a new freedom: they can dive into stories on their own, in their favorite chair or under a blanket fort, without struggling with the written word.

One helpful tool we’ve found especially engaging is the iOS and Android app LISN Kids. It offers a rich library of original audiobooks and audio series tailored for children ages 3 to 12, all thoughtfully crafted to entertain, comfort, or inspire. Whether your child prefers silly animal heroes or magical quests, there's something to hook them. Here's a glimpse of what the experience looks like:

Make It a Shared Experience

Sometimes, a child resists reading because it feels like a solitary, silent task—especially after a long day at school where they’ve already spent hours focusing. You can change that narrative by making story time a shared, joyful experience instead of a chore.

Try starting a family story night. Dim the lights, make popcorn, and choose an audiobook you can all listen to together. Pause to talk about the characters or imagine what might happen next. This invites dialogue and shows that stories are about connection, not just comprehension.

You can also explore screen-free ways to wind down before bedtime using stories—whether it's listening to a calming tale together or telling your own from memory. These small rituals can make a big impact on how your child feels about storytelling in general.

Let Emotions Lead the Way

If your child is dealing with school anxiety, trouble with focus, or emotional overwhelm, the last thing they need is another academic demand. But stories can also be a powerful emotional tool. Tapping into tales that echo their feelings or offer ways to navigate big emotions might be the bridge you’ve been seeking.

There are wonderful stories designed to help children name and manage their feelings, as well as selections that offer comfort and reassurance after tough days. When children hear about characters facing fears or overcoming obstacles, it doesn’t just entertain—they begin to build a toolkit for their own inner life.

One favorite approach is choosing stories that tackle specific concerns—like a fear of the dark. You can explore narratives that gently address bedtime anxieties, told in fun, approachable ways that affirm your child’s feelings without amplifying them.

Trust the Process—The Love of Reading Might Come Later

It’s okay if your child doesn't fall in love with reading right away. Not every path is linear. Their reading journey might start with storytime, drift into audio series, and circle back to books when they’re ready. Some kids just need more time. Others will always prefer to listen rather than read—and that's valid, too.

Your role isn’t to force a habit, but to nurture curiosity. When you shift from "How do I make them read?" to "How do I help them access stories joyfully?"—doors open. You may even find that once the pressure is gone, and they’ve built positive associations with stories in other formats, they’ll return to books on their own terms.

In the meantime, keep showing them that stories matter—not just through words on a page, but through the ways stories help us connect, imagine, and understand. The format is just the vehicle. The love of story is the destination.