Reluctant Readers: Why Some Kids Hate Reading (and What You Can Do About It)

When Reading Feels Like a Chore—Understanding Reluctant Readers

Your child hides the book under the couch. Or sighs the second you mention story time. Maybe you’ve tried rewards, reminders, even reading side-by-side—only to be met with groans or eye rolls.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Many parents dream of raising kids who get lost in books. But for some children, reading feels more like a battle than an adventure.

Here’s the good news: A reluctant reader isn’t destined to dislike books forever. With the right approach—and a little creativity—you can help even the most resistant reader build a more positive relationship with reading.

So, what exactly is a reluctant reader?

Simply put, a reluctant reader is a child who lacks motivation or desire to read. That might mean they avoid it altogether, complain when asked to read, or flat-out refuse.

But here’s where it gets tricky: not all reluctant readers are the same. In fact, there are three main types of reluctant readers. Some struggle with the mechanics of reading, some find it boring, and others would rather be doing something more exciting.

I know this struggle firsthand. As a kid, I was a reluctant reader myself. Reading felt like work and didn’t engage me the way other things did, and if you had asked me back then if I liked books, I would have shrugged.

Over the years I had some shining moments where certain stories reeled me back in for a while, but things didn’t fully click until I became a mom. One of the most vivid memories I have is reading Romeo and Juliet in drama class—with a little help from Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Romeo.

That spark still burns today, but it was trips to England and seeing other Shakespearean productions that continued to fan the flame. Theater, creativity, and movement made stories come alive for me in a way reading on its own hadn’t. That’s what made reading scripts feel fun and less like work.

The same is true for our kids. Once we understand what’s behind their resistance, we can meet them where they are—and help them turn the page.

Let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of reluctant readers and what might be holding them back.

The 3 Types of Reluctant Readers (and Why They Struggle)

1. The Struggling Reader

Signs:

• Avoids reading aloud or gets frustrated easily
• Struggles with basic reading skills, decoding, or comprehension
• Falls behind peers in reading development

Why They Struggle:

Reading feels like and uphill climb. These children may have difficulty sounding out words, reading fluently, or understanding what they read. Some may have an undiagnosed learning challenge like dyslexia, which makes reading even more frustrating.

2. The Disinterested Reader

Signs:

• Frequently complains that reading is boring
• Avoids books even when they’re fully capable of reading
• Prefers other forms of entertainment (TV, video games, social activities)

Why They Struggle:

Disinterested readers often haven’t found books that click for them. They may see reading as something they’re forced to do rather than something enjoyable.

3. The Distracted Reader

Signs:

• Prefers screens, outdoor play, or social activities over reading
• Struggles to sit still and focus on books
• Enjoys stories but loses interest when reading independently

Why They Struggle:

For these children, books have to compete with high-energy, fast-paced games, sports and everything else that feels more exciting. To some kids reading just doesn’t move fast enough.

For me it was dance and theater, although ironically, memorizing lines didn’t feel like reading—it was just fun! Performing in a play or learning choreography kept me engaged, while sitting down with a book often felt like a chore.

Theater and movement helped me realize that stories could be interactive, immersive, and exciting. That was a game-changer for me in eventually finding my way back to books.

Tailored Strategies to Help Each Type

If your child is a struggling reader, the best thing you cand do is help them build confidence, yes, their skills are important too, but we’ve got to tackle their confidence first so they’re willing to put in the hard work to build those skills.

That might mean choosing books that are a bit easier than their reading level—books they can actually enjoy without getting stuck. This allows them to experience success and start to see reading as something they can do.

Another powerful strategy? Let them see you make mistakes when reading. It shows them it’s totally okay to stumble, that reading doesn’t have to be perfect.

And if something deeper might be going on, like a learning difference, don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher, their pediatrician, or apply to be one of the first students in the Engaging Reluctant Readers Academy and get a free reading assessment.

For disinterested readers, choice is key. Let them pick what they read—even if it’s something silly or unconventional. Joke books? Sure. Comic books? Absolutely. A recipe they want to try? That counts too.

If your kiddo doesn’t see the point of reading, they’ll check out completely. That’s why finding books that speak to their interests—whether that’s a specific topic or format—is so critical. The more you can make reading feel less like a school assignment the better your chances that they’ll latch on.

Try making reading feel interactive: act out scenes together, make themed snacks, or even use silly characters voices during read-aloud time. And never underestimate the power for creating a cozy little space just for reading—it can really help shift the vibe.

For distracted readers, it’s all about meeting them where they are. These are the kids who always seem to be motion or crave stimulation. Instead of fighting that, think about what grabs their attention and go from there.

If they love video games, look for books based on their favorite characters. If they’re into sports, grab a biography or magazine. Audiobooks can be a lifesaver too—they can listen while drawing, playing, or even riding in the car.

Check out free audiobook apps like Libby, Hoopla, or Overdrive to get started through your local library. For a screen-free option, the Yoto Player is a kid-friendly audiobook device that puts them in control. It all counts.

The more engaging we can make the reading experience, the better. The goal is for reading to fit into their world—not feel like they have to pause everything else for it.

The Emotional Side of Reluctant Reading

Let’s talk about the emotional side of things for a second—because this isn’t just about books. It’s about feelings.

As a recovering reluctant reader and mom, I can see things from both sides and sometimes not being able to understand what it’s like to be in your kid’s shoes is half the battle.

Reading doesn’t come naturally for most, and it’s a hard skill with lots of little nuances. So, if your child struggles with reading, they might be feeling embarrassed, anxious, or defeated. They might think, “I’m just not good at this, so why bother?”

And for parents—especially those of us who love books—it can really sting when your child shows zero interest or outright refused to crack open a book. It’s hard not to take it personally or wonder if you’re doing something wrong.

But here’s the truth: your child’s reluctance is not a reflection of your parenting. It’s an invitation to try a new approach.

That quote hits home for me every time. If we can flip the narrative around reading—remove the pressure, sprinkle in some fun, and give kids the space to explore—we can create an entirely different experience. One that’s rooted in connection, not correction.

In other words, your job isn’t to force that gift into their hands. It’s to wrap it up in ways they’ll want to open—on their timeline, in their style.

How to Make Reading Feel Positive Again

No matter what type of reluctant reader you have, the goal is the same: create a positive, pressure-free reading environment.

That means letting go of whatever expectations you had about reading and embracing reading in whatever form you can get it. Yes, graphic novels, audiobooks, and even a cereal box count, if that’s what they’re into that day.

So let go of the “shoulds.” Reading doesn’t have to look one specific way. Let your child move while they read if they need to. Some kids actually focus better when they’re standing, walking or even reading upside-down hanging off the couch. Others might prefer listening to audiobooks while they’re playing or building a fort.

Maybe they need you to bring the stories to life—act out scenes, use different voices, and making reading feel more like play. Let it be messy, silly or totally quiet. Just let it be theirs.

And don’t forget about setting up a reading area that’s cozy and inviting. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a few pillows, good lighting, and books nearby with their covers facing out, Rotating titles every so often can keep the excitement alive.

Celebrate progress, big or small. Maybe your child read a full page without help or asked to listen to an audiobook on their own. That’s a win. Every day is a new chance to put a positive spin on reading.

Next Steps for Supporting Your Reader with Confidence

If there’s one thing, I want you to take away from all of this, it’s that helping a reluctant reader isn’t about a magic fix—it’s about consistent, loving nudges in the right direction.

Small changes in how you present reading can make a big impact over time.

And hey— if you’ve made it this far, take a moment and give yourself some credit. You’re showing up. You care. That already makes a difference.

And the best part? You don’t have to do this alone.

I created the Reading Bucket List Bundle to help families like yours get started. It’s packed with 164 fun and flexible ideas that you can mix-and-match or try one at a time, to help your child build a reading life that feels like theirs. By giving them the power to choose where, what and how they read.

You’ve got this.

Together we can take reading from “I don’t wanna!” to “Can we read one more chapter?”

You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need a place to start. And that first step can be the spark that changes everything.

Recommended Reading Resources

Here are some of my favorite ways to make books more accessible and engaging for your child:

• 🎧 Audible Free Trial – Perfect for on-the-go listening or bedtime wind-downs.
• 📲 Libby, Hoopla, Overdrive – Free audiobook and e-book access through your local library.
• 🎶 Yoto Player – A screen-free audiobook player kids can control themselves.
• 📖 Kindle Unlimited – Thousands of kid-friendly e-books available anytime.
• 🌟 Epic! – A digital reading platform (referral program no longer exists)

FAQs: Helping Reluctant Readers

1. What are common signs that my child is a reluctant reader?

Common signs include avoiding reading, complaining about books, struggling with comprehension, or preferring screens and other activities over books.

2. Can a reluctant reader become a strong reader over time?

Absolutely. With the right support, engaging materials, and a pressure-free environment, many reluctant readers develop confidence and grow to love reading.

3. What are the best books for reluctant readers?

Books that align with your child’s interests are best—graphic novels, joke books, short chapter books, or audiobooks are great places to start.

4. How can I make reading feel less like homework for my child?

Give your child the freedom to choose what they want to read. Sit and read with them making it a shared experience. Make reading fun by bringing story time to life. Try using different voices for each character when you read, enjoy a book-related snack while reading or pair reading time with a book-related craft or activity. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins to keep things positive and fun.

5. What if my child prefers audiobooks—does that still count as reading?

Yes! Audiobooks are a fantastic way to build vocabulary, comprehension, and a love for storytelling—especially for distracted or struggling readers.