Why Does My Child Hate Reading?

It can feel confusing and even upsetting to hear your child say they hate reading.

You might wonder:

• Did I do something wrong?

• Are they falling behind?

• Why do other children seem to love books?

The truth is, most children are not born hating reading. When a child says they hate it, they are usually reacting to something specific. Once we understand the reason, we can start to change the experience.

Here are the most common reasons children struggle with reading and what you can do about it.

1. Reading Feels Too Hard

One of the most common reasons children dislike reading is simple. It feels difficult.

If a book is too challenging, every page becomes work. They have to concentrate intensely just to decode the words. There is no space left to enjoy the story.

Imagine being handed a book in a language you only partly understand. After a few pages, you would probably say you hate it too.

What helps

• Let your child choose easier books for a while

• Revisit familiar stories they already know

• Read aloud to them, even if they can read independently

Confidence comes before enjoyment. When reading feels manageable, motivation begins to grow.

2. Reading Has Become a Test

For some children, reading stops being about stories and starts being about performance.

They may associate reading with:

• Being corrected

• Being timed

• Being compared to classmates

• Being asked lots of questions

When reading becomes something they can fail at, anxiety replaces curiosity.

Children are very sensitive to pressure. If they feel judged, they will avoid the activity altogether.

What helps

• Separate reading for pleasure from reading practice

• Reduce correction during relaxed reading time

• Focus on the story, not the mistakes

You can still support skill development, but it helps to protect reading time that feels safe and enjoyable.

3. They Have Not Found the Right Books Yet

Not all books suit all children.

A child who dislikes traditional chapter books might love:

• Comics

• Fact books about football or animals

• Joke books

• Graphic novels

• Audiobooks

Sometimes adults unintentionally limit choice because we think certain books are more valuable. From a habit perspective, what matters most is that they are reading something.

Interest drives engagement. Engagement builds stamina. Stamina builds ability.

What helps

• Let them browse freely

• Visit the library without pressure

• Follow their interests, even if they seem narrow

A child who reads ten books about dinosaurs is still building fluency, vocabulary and focus.

4. They Struggle With Focus

Some children do not hate reading itself. They struggle to sit still or concentrate.

Modern life is fast. Screens provide instant stimulation. Books require slower, sustained attention.

If a child is used to quick rewards, reading can feel slow and effortful in comparison.

This does not mean they are incapable. It means the environment needs adjusting.

What helps

• Short reading sessions at first

• A consistent daily reading time

• A quiet, comfortable space

• Reducing background distractions

Start small. Five focused minutes done consistently is more powerful than one long battle once a week.

5. They Associate Reading With Stress

Sometimes a child’s dislike of reading is linked to wider emotional experiences.

If reading has been the source of arguments, frustration or embarrassment, they may avoid it to protect themselves.

Children rarely say, “I feel anxious about reading.” They say, “I hate it.”

Behind that sentence there is often fear of feeling inadequate.

What helps

• Stay calm when reading feels difficult

• Avoid comparing siblings or peers

• Praise effort rather than outcome

A simple shift from “You got that wrong” to “I love how you kept trying” can change how a child sees themselves as a reader.

6. They Have Not Experienced Reading as Enjoyment

Some children simply have not yet experienced the moment when a book pulls them in.

That spark often comes from:

• Being read to

• Sharing laughter over a story

• Talking about characters

• Seeing adults read for pleasure

Children learn what matters by watching us.

If reading is framed only as schoolwork, it will feel like schoolwork.

What helps

• Let your child see you reading

• Talk about books casually

• Share stories at bedtime, even as they get older

Reading is relational. It grows in shared spaces.

What If My Child Still Says They Hate It?

First, do not panic.

Reading habits develop over time. They are shaped by confidence, environment, identity and emotion.

Instead of asking, “How do I make my child love reading?” try asking:

• How can I make reading feel easier?

• How can I make reading feel safer?

• How can I make reading feel more rewarding?

When reading feels manageable, positive and consistent, enjoyment often follows.

The Long Game

It helps to remember that loving reading is rarely instant.

It is built through:

• Small daily sessions

• Books that match ability and interest

• Encouragement rather than pressure

• Positive reinforcement

Habits shape identity. When a child begins to see themselves as someone who reads regularly, resistance tends to soften.

That shift does not happen through lectures. It happens through experience.

A Next Step

If your child currently says they hate reading, you are not alone. Many families experience this phase.

The goal is not to force a love of books overnight. The goal is to make reading feel achievable and consistent.

That is why we built ReadingSpace. It is designed to help families turn reading into a simple daily habit through gentle structure, encouragement and small rewards. The focus is not on testing or pressure. It is about building consistency and confidence.

If you would like to explore a different way of supporting reading at home, you can learn more about ReadingSpace here: