It can be tough to hear your child say, “I hate reading.” As a parent, you want to foster a love of learning, but resistance can make homework, bedtime stories, or even school a daily struggle.

The good news? There are simple, practical steps you can take to shift your child’s mindset about reading.

Boy with his head down on the table during reading

6 tips to shift the mindset

1. Get Curious, Not Confrontational

Instead of shutting down the statement with “Don’t say that” or “You have to read,” try asking gentle questions:

“What makes reading hard for you?”
“Is it the book, or is it the reading part?”
This helps you uncover whether the problem is frustration, boredom, or difficulty with the skill itself.

2. Offer Choices and Control

Kids often push back because they feel they have no say. Give them power over what and how they read:

Comic books, graphic novels, magazines, or even cookbooks count as reading.
Let them choose the location: a blanket fort, the couch, or outside under a tree.
Try shared reading: you read a page, then they read a page.

3. Focus on Interests, Not Levels

A book about dinosaurs, space, or video games can spark more motivation than a leveled reader that feels “babyish.” The goal is engagement first—fluency will follow with practice.

4. Make Reading Social

Reading doesn’t always have to be an independent activity:

Start a family “reading time” where everyone grabs a book or magazine.
Pair books with movies (read Charlotte’s Web, then watch the film).
Encourage them to talk about the story instead of only focusing on decoding words.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Praise effort, not just outcome. Notice when your child tries:

“I love how you stuck with that tricky word.”
“You read for five whole minutes—that’s progress!”
Small celebrations help shift reading from a chore to an accomplishment.

6. Watch for Signs of Struggle

Sometimes “I hate reading” really means “Reading is hard.” If your child avoids reading often, guesses at words, or becomes upset, it might be more than attitude—it could be a skill gap. Trust your instincts and talk to their teacher to see if the same things are happening at school or seek out a reading specialist for support.

Final Thought 💭:

When your child says they hate reading, don’t panic—it doesn’t mean they’ll never love it. With patience, choice, and support, you can help them build not only stronger skills but also a healthier relationship with books. Contact us at themiddlemattersco@gmail.com

What to do when your kid says “i hate reading!”