“I hate reading” can mean many things. The book may be too difficult, the subject uninteresting or the moment badly timed. Your child may also be tired of being corrected. Before deciding they are simply a reluctant reader, get curious about which part feels hard.
Ask about the experience
Try a small question away from the reading task: “Is it the words, this story or reading aloud that you do not like today?” Accept an uncertain answer. You can notice what happens too: do they enjoy listening but avoid taking a turn, or happily read a comic while resisting the school book?
Share persistent difficulties with the teacher. Ask what they have noticed and how to support the specific skill being taught. Do not diagnose a learning difficulty from reluctance alone, or assume more practice will solve every problem.
Keep an enjoyable route into stories
BookTrust’s advice for supporting developing readers includes sharing reading and trying formats such as graphic novels. You might read alternate short sections, take different characters or read aloud while your child listens. Choose a version that feels inviting rather than another test.
Let them choose from a manageable range. A book about their favourite animal, a funny comic or familiar story may offer a better starting point than a book selected mainly for its reading level. Library staff can help you explore possibilities without buying them all.
Agree the job before you begin
Separate required school practice from reading for pleasure. For practice, follow the school’s approach and ask how long to spend or what to do when your child gets stuck. For enjoyment, avoid turning every page into comprehension questions.
You could say: “I will read this story. You can join in with the repeated line if you want.” Or: “We will try this short school task, then I will tell you the next chapter of our story.” Do not make listening to a story something they must earn by performing well.
Notice what opens the door
After a week, look for one thing that made books more welcome: the topic, a quieter time, sharing a role or fewer interruptions. Keep that part. If frustration continues, go back to the teacher with a concrete example rather than simply increasing the amount.
Your child does not have to love every book. The aim is to support learning while leaving room for curiosity, comfort and the pleasure of finding out what happens next.
Put it into practice
Use our free resource: Finding our reading way: a choice and observation sheet to choose a small next step. Keep the parts that suit your family and adapt the rest.
