Many parents tell us, “My child hates reading,” or “They get frustrated and would rather do anything else.” If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Reading is one skill no student can avoid. It appears in every subject, every grade, and every day. From math word problems to science textbooks to social studies articles, literacy is the foundation of academic success.
The good news is that children do not need to be natural bookworms to become confident readers. With the right entry point, materials, and support, reading can become an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Why Children Say “I Hate Reading”
When a child says, “I hate reading,” it may really mean:
• “This feels hard”
• “I read slower than my friends”
• “I don’t understand what I’m reading”
• “I haven’t found anything I enjoy”
• “I feel embarrassed or frustrated”
Reading difficulty often stems from decoding struggles, fluency issues, vocabulary gaps, or attention challenges. Emotional responses, like anxiety or low confidence, can make reading seem overwhelming. Recognizing that struggle does not equal dislike is key to helping your child build confidence.
Start With What They Already Love
Children are far more likely to engage with reading when the topic aligns with their interests. Consider:
• Sports or hobbies
• Animals
• Video games
• Cooking
• Movies, TV shows, or favorite characters
Reading doesn’t need to start with a traditional novel; curiosity is the entry point. Ask, “If you could read about anything at all, what would it be?” Younger children may enjoy picture books or illustrated stories, while middle schoolers may prefer fan fiction, blogs, or sports articles. High school students who resist novels may respond better to graphic novels, articles, or podcasts with transcripts.
Try Different Reading Formats
Reading does not have to look like sitting silently with a chapter book. Different formats help children ease into literacy:
• Audiobooks for car rides or quiet time
• Graphic novels and comic books
• Poetry, kid-friendly news, or sports articles
• Blogs, cookbooks, or even restaurant menus
• Interactive story apps or choose-your-own-adventure games
Celebrating small wins, such as ten minutes of focused reading, helps build confidence without pressure.
Let Them Choose
Choice builds ownership and motivation. Balance school-assigned reading with materials your child selects independently. Options include:
• Visiting a local Barrie bookstore
• Spending time at the library
• Letting them choose online articles or e-books
• Selecting one book from a school book fair
When children feel agency in their reading, they naturally become more motivated and engaged.
Create the Right Reading Environment
Every child reads best under different conditions. Experiment to find what works:
• Cozy reading nook, fort, desk, or favorite chair
• Instrumental background music
• Reading at different times of day
• Buddy reading or taking turns reading aloud
• Pacing, standing, or lying down while reading
Comfort and personalization make reading feel less like a task and more like a choice.
Encourage Story Creation
Some children enjoy reading more when they get to create their own stories. Activities include:
• Mini books or comic strips
• Photo journals or diaries
• Restaurant menus or video game storylines
Creating stories strengthens comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence, while making literacy active and fun. For older students, writing blog posts, online stories, or personal reflections can make reading meaningful and relevant.
When Struggle Is Behind the “I Hate Reading”
For children with attention challenges, decoding difficulties, or diagnosed learning differences, “I don’t like reading” may actually mean “this feels hard.” A tutor can help children:
• Discover types of reading they enjoy
• Build confidence in decoding and comprehension
• Practice reading in ways that are fun and meaningful
At SMART Tutoring, we help students find joy in reading while mastering literacy skills aligned with the Ontario curriculum, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and text comprehension. Every session is tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Daily Tips to Build Reading Habits
Reading habits develop over time, so patience is essential. Some ways to incorporate literacy into daily life include:
• Reading together as a family
• Following recipes, instructions, or DIY guides
• Discussing news stories or current events
• Encouraging short daily reading sessions
• Recognizing effort over perfection and celebrating small accomplishments
Even ten minutes a day of focused reading can make a significant difference over time.
Tips for Teens
High school students may need strategies tailored to their age:
• Encourage reading for relevance rather than just school assignments
• Provide news articles, magazines, podcasts, or online content related to their hobbies
• Discuss the material to improve comprehension and critical thinking
• Make reading social through book clubs, online discussions, or sharing articles with friends
Modeling reading as an adult also makes a difference. Children notice adults reading, discussing stories, or sharing favorite articles, which normalizes literacy as a positive, everyday habit.
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