It's totally normal if your child isn't into reading… yet. Every reader starts somewhere. With patience, encouragement, and the right steps, you can help turn that reluctance into curiosity—and eventually, enjoyment. Let's look at some common reasons why kids resist reading and offer practical, real-life strategies you can try right away to turn things around.
Why Some Kids Resist Reading
There are lots of reasons why a child might not gravitate toward books. Reading can feel challenging when they’re just starting out—decoding words, understanding sentence structure, or managing new vocabulary can all create frustration. For some kids, books don’t seem exciting because the topics don’t match their interests. Others may associate reading with school tasks or pressure, which takes the fun out of it. Finally, if reading isn’t a visible, regular part of home life, kids may not develop a natural inclination toward it.
Try These Strategies
Let Them Choose
Empower your child to pick what they want to read, even if it's the same book again and again. Choice builds autonomy and engagement. Whether it's dinosaurs, trucks, silly jokes, or pets, letting them follow their interests can unlock a love of reading that structured school materials sometimes miss.
Make It Playful
Reading doesn’t have to be quiet and still. Use character voices, puppets, or even act out scenes with stuffed animals. Make books a springboard for creative play, not just comprehension. Let them become part of the story in their own way.
Keep It Short (and Sweet)
Start small with 5 to 10 minutes a day—and celebrate that time together. Short reading sessions are easier to commit to and help build a habit over time. Gradually increase the duration as reading becomes more comfortable.
Use Repetition to Build Confidence
Kids love repetition because it helps them feel successful. Re-reading a familiar book gives them a sense of mastery. The more they see and hear the same words, the easier it becomes to recognize them independently.
Read Aloud Together
Even if your child is capable of reading on their own, reading aloud together strengthens your bond and reinforces fluency and expression. It also takes the pressure off and turns reading into a shared experience rather than a solo challenge.
Make Books Visible
Out of sight, out of mind—and that applies to books, too. Keep books in cozy corners, next to the couch, or even in the car. The easier it is for your child to pick up a book, the more likely they are to read it.
Talk About the Story
Before, during, and after reading, ask questions like: "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why did that character do that?" Encourage them to retell parts of the story. This builds comprehension, recall, and narrative skills in a natural way.
Model It
Children learn what they see. Let your child see you reading—whether it's a book, a recipe, or even an instruction manual. Talk about what you're reading and why you enjoy it. It shows them that reading is valuable and enjoyable for grown-ups, too.
How FinnBooks Can Help
The FinnBooks 9-book library is built with beginning readers in mind. Each book features predictable patterns, engaging illustrations, and topics that appeal to kids. These features help reduce frustration and increase confidence. Every set includes a signed book, adding a personal touch that makes kids feel special. Plus, your purchase supports a local dog shelter, which adds a sense of purpose to the reading experience. And with weekly literacy tips from Finn, families receive ongoing encouragement to keep reading routines fun and consistent.
In Summary:
Some kids take longer to warm up to reading—and that’s okay. The key is to create a supportive environment filled with patience, small wins, and opportunities for choice. With steady encouragement, even the most reluctant reader can become the one asking, "Can we read that again?"