Many parents dream of raising smart kids who love to read. But in the age of smartphones, YouTube, and video games, that’s a real challenge. Still, if you hear your child say, “Books are boring,” the truth is — it often starts with us as parents.
A love of reading can be nurtured without pressure, threats, or “required reading lists.” Forget forcing it — reading should be a voluntary pleasure, nothing else. AdmiGram.com shares practical advice that can genuinely help your child fall in love with reading.
Reading and Kids: How to Encourage a Love of Books
Stop Forcing and Overwhelming Them with Books
© Guy Basabose / Unsplash
Your child is not a mini version of you. Just because you loved pirates, fantasy, or adventure stories as a kid doesn’t mean your child will too. Phrases like “You have to read Harry Potter — every normal kid has!” or “You’ll love it, trust me!” usually backfire.
Give your child freedom of choice. Let them decide what and when to read. When there’s no pressure, interest grows naturally. If they’re not drawn to books yet — don’t panic. It’s better to gently suggest options than to demand.
Forget Threats and Scare Tactics
© cal gao / Unsplash
“If you don’t read, you’ll grow up uneducated,” “People will laugh at you,” or “No games until you finish a chapter” — none of this works. Kids quickly see through empty threats and begin to associate books with negativity and conflict.
Reading should feel enjoyable and voluntary. When it turns into punishment or a condition for “normal life,” motivation disappears for a long time. Focus on creating positive emotions instead.
Help Them Find a Book That Truly Hooks Them
© Emily Wade / Unsplash
If your child is into dinosaurs, space, animals, sports, comics, or even video games — use that. Look for books that match their interests: graphic novels, nonfiction, popular series like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or current bestsellers.
Check recommendations from library websites (like the New York Public Library, Toronto Public Library, or the UK’s National Literacy Trust). Ask librarians or browse parenting forums. Choose books with readable fonts, quality printing, and engaging illustrations — especially for younger readers.
If print books don’t work, don’t rule out eBooks or audiobooks. Reading on a Kindle or listening in the car is still reading — and far better than nothing.
Create a Reading Ritual
© Alina Chernovolova / Unsplash
Think back to when you read under the covers with a flashlight — books felt magical. Help your child create their own cozy routine:
- Reading before bed with a cup of cocoa
- Family reading time (15–20 minutes, no devices)
- Reading outdoors — like in a hammock on a day trip
- A “reading corner” with a comfy chair, soft lighting, and a basket of books
Even if your child sneaks in some late-night reading under the covers — that’s a good thing. The goal is to connect reading with comfort and joy, not rules.
Be Realistic: Classics Can Wait
© bruce mars / Unsplash
Shakespeare, Dickens, or Jane Austen are incredible — but even many adults don’t fully appreciate them. For most kids, classic literature feels difficult and boring. It often requires life experience to truly understand.
A better approach:
- Watch a good movie or series adaptation together
- Talk about what stood out or felt interesting
- Let your child come back to the book later, when they’re older and more curious
No one — neither parents nor teachers — can force a child to love the “great classics.” What matters most is that they start reading for pleasure at all.
Practical Ideas You Can Try Today
© Radu Marcusu / Unsplash
- Limit screen time in favor of reading (without strict bans — offer alternatives instead)
- Make reading social: start a family book club, discuss chapters, read aloud together
- Mix formats: print books, eBooks, audiobooks, graphic novels
- Praise the experience — not the number of pages
Remember: the goal isn’t for your child to “hit a quota,” but for books to become part of a happy childhood. When reading brings joy, it stays for life — and supports learning, empathy, imagination, and even mental well-being.
If today your child reads just one page — but with interest — that’s already a win. Be patient, stay supportive, and enjoy the journey together. You’ve got this!
image on top: Gaelle Marcel / Unsplash
