How to Motivate Your Child to Read: A Guide for Parents

Jun 23

Small child reading a book on a bench in a park. She has pigtails and is wearing rainbow-striped socks.

By: Corrina Schader, LEP

Owner of Mindful LEP

Phone: (408) 797-5597

At Mindful LEP, we often hear from parents who are worried that their child "just doesn’t like reading." Whether your child struggles with reading or simply shows little interest, it can be discouraging to watch them avoid books. The good news? There are many ways to foster a love of reading, even for the most reluctant reader.

Understanding Why Your Child May Not Be Motivated to Read

Before jumping into strategies, it’s helpful to understand why a child may resist reading. Some common reasons include:

Reading feels hard due to learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD.
Lack of confidence because they compare themselves to peers.
Reading doesn’t feel fun—they haven’t found the right books yet.
Competing interests like video games or screen time.

Identifying the underlying reason can help you better support your child.

Tips to Encourage a Love of Reading

1. Let Them Choose

Choice is powerful. Allow your child to pick what they read, even if it’s comics, joke books, or graphic novels. When kids have ownership, they’re more likely to engage.

2. Read Aloud—Even to Older Kids

Reading aloud takes the pressure off and lets children enjoy stories without struggling through the words. It also models fluency and builds vocabulary.

3. Create a Reading Routine

Set aside a consistent, low-stress time to read daily. Bedtime works well for many families, but even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference.

4. Make Reading Social

Try reading the same book as your child and talk about it over dinner. Start a mini book club with friends or family. Discussing books helps deepen interest and understanding.

5. Celebrate Progress

Track the number of books or minutes read, and celebrate milestones. Rewards can be simple—like staying up late to read, choosing a new book, or earning a special treat. Many businesses (like Barnes & Noble, Pizza Hut, and Chuck E. Cheese) offer a summer reading program where they’ll reward kids for reading.

6. Use Audiobooks

Audiobooks can help kids enjoy books that may be above their reading level or too frustrating to tackle on their own. They still build comprehension and vocabulary. You can even rent audiobooks for free through your public library!

7. Visit Libraries and Bookstores

Make book selection feel like an adventure. Let your child explore and discover what sparks their curiosity.

8. Connect Books to Interests

If your child loves animals, try books about wildlife. If they’re into sports, find player biographies or fiction with athletic characters.

When Reading Is a Real Struggle

If your child avoids reading because it seems hard, it might be time for a closer look. Learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD can make reading frustrating. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify whether there are underlying challenges—and what support will help.

Need an evaluation appointment?: Mindful LEP does not currently have a waitlist for assessments - book your evaluation appointment today! Not sure if your child needs an evaluation? Don’t stress! Schedule a FREE consultation with us, and we will address all of your concerns. Call us at (408) 797-5597 for more information!

Final Thoughts for Parents

Remember: the goal isn’t just to get your child to read; it’s to help them find joy and purpose in reading. By reducing pressure, offering choices, and creating positive experiences around books, you can turn reading from a chore into something they look forward to.

If you’re concerned about your child’s reading development or motivation, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. With the right tools and encouragement, every child can become a reader.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mindful LEP for a FREE consultation. We would be happy to discuss how we can help your family with:

the academic assessment/evaluation process
therapy/counseling (in person and virtual)
art & play therapy (in person and virtual)
advocacy services (in person and virtual)

We would LOVE for you to share your ideas and thoughts on our next blog topic(s). What would you like us to focus on in the future? Let us know at: info@mindful-LEP.com

Corrina Schader https://www.mindful-lep.com