My Child Doesn’t Like Reading: What Can I Do to Encourage Them?

Understanding Where the Resistance Comes From

You’ve tried picture books, made cozy reading corners, even tried reading aloud silly voices—and still, your child just doesn’t seem to enjoy reading. It’s not just you. Many children between the ages of 6 and 12 struggle to connect with books, and it can leave parents feeling worried, frustrated, or even guilty. But hang in there—your child isn’t broken or behind. They just haven’t found their bridge into reading yet.

Before reaching for solutions, it’s worth pausing to gently reflect: why might your child not like reading? It could be fatigue from school, reading difficulties, attention challenges, or simply that the books available haven’t captured their interest. Sometimes, kids associate reading with pressure or failure. With this in mind, encouragement must begin with empathy. The goal is to nurture a positive emotional connection with stories, not rush to improve reading levels.

Reading Is More Than Books

One of the biggest misconceptions we hold—often unknowingly—is that reading only “counts” if it involves printed chapter books. But stories live in many forms: audio, comics, graphic novels, visual storytelling, role-play, and more. When we broaden our definition of reading, we open the door wider for kids to walk through it on their own terms. For instance, visually engaging reads like illustrated nonfiction or graphic novels about science, animals, or mysteries may spark curiosity where traditional texts fail.

Similarly, audiobooks are far from “cheating.” On the contrary, they’re a powerful gateway to language. Children who listen to stories develop richer vocabularies, internalize the rhythm and structure of storytelling, and often become more enthusiastic about reading over time. If you haven't already considered introducing audiobooks, this could be a gentle, screen-free way to inspire story love. LISN Kids on iOS and Android is one such app that offers original audiobooks and audio series especially made for kids 3 to 12. It blends entertainment and imagination together without visual distractions, making it an ideal story companion for reluctant readers.

Create a Reading Culture at Home (Without Pressure)

So how do you create an environment where reading feels less like a task and more like a natural part of life? The truth is, many kids find joy in stories only if the atmosphere around reading is warm, consistent, and stress-free. Here are a few foundational principles to keep in mind:

• Follow their interest, even if it feels silly or simple. If they love dinosaurs, go all in. If they giggle over comics, great. Any positive interaction with language is valuable.
• Let them choose. When children feel agency over what they read (or listen to), their motivation increases.
• Model reading joyfully. Not as a chore, but as something you truly enjoy. Let them see you laugh at a book, stay up to read, or talk about a character you love.

Many families discover that establishing a calm bedtime routine that includes shared stories softens the tension around reading. It becomes a moment to connect, not perform. Whether it’s reading a poem together or listening to a five-minute audio story, these gentle rituals often lead to meaningful habits over time.

Let Reading Be Playful, Not a Test

If a child ties reading to struggle or correction, they’re likely to resist. But if reading is linked to laughter, creativity, and freedom, they’re far more likely to embrace it. Activities like acting out stories, drawing favorite characters, or even gently rewriting endings can make all the difference. You don’t need to design elaborate games either. A simple twist in approach—and a mindset of play—can shift everything.

Looking for new and creative ways to explore stories together as a family can help you keep the spark alive. Try recording your own audio stories together or making a "story jar" filled with imaginative prompts. You may be surprised to see how much your child lights up when reading isn't about decoding, but about discovery.

Redefine Success (And Be Patient)

Finally, maybe the most important step is redefining what success looks like. Not every child becomes a bookworm. And that’s okay. If your child learns to love language, imagination, and self-expression in any format, you’re already offering them a wonderful gift. Focus less on page counts or reading levels, and more on shared moments, curiosity, and joy.

Over time, a child who enjoys stories in any form—be it an audiobook, a comic strip, or a picture book—often builds the foundation they need to become confident readers. If you’re still unsure how to support a child with emerging reading skills, check out our guides on how audiobooks help build vocabulary and making reading fun through play. These shifts in approach might be just what your family needs.