Getting children excited about reading can feel challenging for many parents. Between competing distractions and busy schedules, finding ways to make reading enjoyable rather than a chore requires thoughtful planning. 

Building a love of reading in your child involves creating consistent routines, choosing the right materials and making reading time both comfortable and rewarding. These tactics help you support your child in developing a passion for reading.

Here, we'll walk you through practical approaches that fit into your family's daily life with tried-and-tested methods that we use at St Martin's. You'll learn how to set up spaces that work for reading, pick books that match your child's interests and use rewards that keep motivation high.

1. Set a daily reading routine to build consistency

Children thrive on routine. When you make reading a regular part of their day, it becomes a natural habit rather than a chore.

Pick a specific time that works for your family. Many parents find that bedtime works well, but morning or after school can be just as effective. The key is choosing a time you and your child can stick to most days.

You don't need long sessions to see results. Short, consistent reading moments work better than occasional longer reading periods. Even 10 to 15 minutes daily makes a real difference. Creating a cosy reading corner also helps signal that it's reading time. This could be a corner with cushions, good lighting, and easy access to books.

Start small if your child isn't used to reading regularly. Begin with just five minutes and gradually increase the time as the habit forms. Consistency matters more than duration when you're building a new routine.

Track your child's progress using a simple chart or calendar. Children often enjoy seeing their reading streaks grow, which encourages them to keep going.

2. Choose age-appropriate and engaging books

Picking the right books matters. Books that match your child's developmental stage help build language skills and make reading enjoyable. This ensures children who may experience literacy difficulties can still engage with reading.

Think about your child's current reading level and interests. A book that's too difficult will frustrate them, while one that's too simple might bore them. Look for stories with language complexity that matches their abilities.

Consider what excites your child. Do they love animals, space, or fairy tales? Choosing books based on their interests helps them engage more deeply with reading. Don't forget about variety either. Picture books work well for younger children to create a visual connection, while older readers might enjoy story books or graphic novels. Mix fiction and nonfiction books to expose your child to different writing styles.

Visit your local library or bookshop with your child. Let them browse and choose books that catch their eye. This gives them ownership over their reading choices.

3. Create a cosy, distraction-free reading space

Setting up a dedicated reading space helps your child focus and enjoy books more. You don't need a large area or expensive items to make this work, but it should be welcoming to entice reluctant readers.

Choose a quiet corner away from the television, digital devices and other distractions. Add comfortable seating like cushions, bean bags or a small chair. Good lighting is important, so place the space near a window or add a lamp.

Make the space inviting with soft blankets or a small rug. You can add one or two soft toys for comfort, but keep decorations minimal. The goal is to create an environment that encourages concentration without overwhelming your child.

This special spot tells your child that reading is valued in your home. When children have their own cosy place for reading books, they're more likely to spend time reading independently.

4. Read aloud together to model fluent reading

Reading aloud to your children gives them a clear example of what good reading sounds like and can also help struggling readers. When you read with expression and proper pacing, your child learns letter-sound connections, how sentences should flow and where to pause naturally.

You can make these interactive activities work both ways. Read to your child first, then have them read back to you. This reciprocal reading practice lets children observe fluent reading and also gives them a safe space to practise their own skills.

Shared reading bridges the gap between listening to stories and reading independently. Your child can see the text while you read, which helps them connect the words they hear with the words on the page.

When you read together regularly, children connect with books through that shared experience. This makes reading feel more meaningful and naturally builds their motivation to read on their own.

5. Discuss stories to develop comprehension skills

Talking about books helps children understand what they read. When you ask questions during or after a story, your child will learn to think more deeply about the characters and events.

Start with simple questions like "What happened in this part?" or "How do you think the character feels?" These questions help your child recall details and connect with the story.

You can also ask your child to predict what might happen next. This keeps them engaged and helps them think about the story's direction. Building comprehension skills strengthens your child's ability to understand more complex texts.

Listen to your child's answers without judging them. Every response shows how they're processing the story. If they misunderstand something, you can gently guide them back to the relevant part of the book.

Discussing books together builds both literacy skills and confidence. Your child will learn that their thoughts about stories matter. These conversations will teach them that reading involves more than just recognising words on a page.

Make discussions natural and relaxed. You don't need to turn every book into a lesson. A few thoughtful questions can make a big difference in how well your child understands and enjoys reading.

6. Incorporate books on topics your child loves

Children read more when books match their interests. If your child loves dinosaurs, space or football, find books about those topics. This is an especially good tactic for reluctant readers.

Fiction and non-fiction both work well. A child interested in animals might enjoy stories about pets or factual books about wildlife. When children select books they love, reading becomes something they look forward to.

Don't worry if your child's interests seem narrow or unusual. The goal is to build reading skills and confidence. Once they discover that books can teach them about things they care about, they're more likely to explore new topics naturally.

7. Limit screen time to encourage reading instead

Screens compete directly with books for your child's attention. When children spend hours playing on phones or tablets or watching television, they have less time and energy for reading.

Government guidance recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day for children under five, while under-twos should not watch screens alone at all.

You can create simple rules that make space for books. Try keeping bedtimes screen-free and offering a book instead. Turn off devices during meals and car journeys where reading could happen.

Screen swaps work well for encouraging reading without constant battles. Replace 30 minutes of television with a family reading session. Let your child choose their book to maintain their interest.

8. Celebrate reading milestones with rewards

Recognition and reward plays a key role in keeping children motivated to read. When you celebrate your child's reading achievements, you can help them build confidence and enthusiasm for books.

Start by acknowledging small wins. Perhaps your child finished their first chapter book or read for five days in a row – these moments matter. Certificates and awards work well for marking specific milestones. You might give one when your child completes a book series or reads a certain number of books. These physical tokens can help children see their progress.

Rewards don't need to be expensive or complicated. Consider extra playtime, a special outing or choosing the next family film. The goal is to create positive associations with reading.

Track progress with a simple chart or reading log. When your child sees how many books they've completed, it reinforces their sense of achievement. This visual reminder helps children feel proud of their growth and encourages them to keep going.

9. Encourage independent reading for short periods

Independent reading helps young children become confident readers. Start with brief reading challenges that match your child's attention span.

Set aside 5–10 minutes daily for your child to read alone. This amount of time is manageable and prevents reading from feeling like a chore. You can gradually increase the duration as your child becomes more comfortable.

Create a regular time slot for independent reading. Pick a moment that works for your family, whether that's before bed or after school. Developing a daily reading routine helps children form lasting habits.

Let your child choose their own books during independent reading time. They're more likely to stay engaged when reading material that interests them. Keep age-appropriate books available so your child can select freely.

Don't worry if your child simply looks at pictures at first. This still counts as reading practice for younger children. The goal is to build positive associations with books and reading. Stay nearby but avoid hovering; your presence provides comfort whilst allowing your child the freedom to explore books on their own terms.

Understanding the importance of early reading

Early reading shapes how children think, communicate and connect with the world around them. It builds essential brain pathways and strengthens the bond between you and your child.

Cognitive and emotional benefits

Reading to young children from an early age helps build vocabulary and language skills faster than waiting until they start school. When you read together, your child learns new words in context and begins to understand how stories work.

Early shared reading supports brain development and helps children reach speech and communication milestones. Young children create and understand meanings from pictures, symbols and words through regular exposure to books.

The emotional benefits are just as important as the cognitive ones. Story time creates a calm, focused moment where you give your child full attention. This strengthens your relationship and makes your child feel valued and secure.

Reading at home helps build understanding of the world while developing comprehension skills. Children who engage with books regularly show improved wellbeing and confidence as they grow.

The role of parents in supporting literacy skills

You have a powerful influence on your child's reading development throughout their early years. The habits and attitudes you model at home directly affect how your child views books and learning.

Making story time a regular part of your daily routine shows your child that reading matters. You don't need special training or expensive materials to support literacy development at home.

Simple actions make a real difference:

• Read aloud daily: even 10 minutes creates lasting benefits.
• Let your child choose books: following their interests keeps them engaged.
• Talk about the pictures: ask questions and encourage predictions.
• Revisit favourite stories: repetition builds familiarity and confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Parents often have questions about the best ways to support their children's reading development at home. Building a reading routine, choosing the right books and knowing where to find helpful resources can make a significant difference in your child's literacy journey.

What practical steps can parents take to build a daily reading habit at home?

Set a specific time each day for reading so it becomes part of your family routine. Many families find success with reading before bed or right after school. Start with just 10 to 15 minutes if your child is new to regular reading. You can gradually increase the time as reading becomes more natural.

You should also create a reading space that is comfortable and free from distractions like televisions or loud noises. A cosy corner with good lighting and cushions can make reading feel special. Let your child see you reading too. Children copy what they see, so when they watch you read books, newspapers or magazines, they learn that reading is valuable.

How can I encourage my child to read if they say books are boring or too difficult?

Give your child choices about what to read. Reading different types of materials like comics, magazines, recipes or joke books can be just as valuable as traditional chapter books. You should also find books that match your child's interests, whether that's football, animals, space or cooking. When children read about topics they care about, they're more likely to stick with it.

Try audiobooks if your child is a struggling reader. Listening to stories can help build vocabulary and comprehension whilst reducing the frustration of difficult words. Breaking reading into smaller chunks can help too – five minutes of reading is better than no reading at all.

Ask your child's teacher for help if you're not sure where to start, as teachers are experts at matching books to reading levels.

What types of books are best for reluctant readers at different ages and stages?

Younger children often enjoy picture books with repetitive text and rhymes. These books help children predict what comes next and build confidence. Early readers benefit from books with simple sentences, large print and pictures that support the story. Look for books labelled by reading level or age range.

Primary-aged children or older reluctant readers may prefer graphic novels, which combine pictures and text in an engaging format. The visual elements help support understanding without making the reading feel babyish.

Non-fiction books work well for children who prefer facts to stories. Books about real topics like dinosaurs, sport or how things work can be more appealing than fiction. Series books encourage continued reading because children want to know what happens next with familiar characters. Once your child finds a series they like, they're more likely to keep reading.

How can parents support early literacy skills before a child can read independently?

Read aloud to your child every day, even from birth. Hearing language helps children learn new words and understand how stories work. Point to words as you read them so your child begins to understand that text carries meaning. This helps them connect spoken words to written ones.

Ask questions whilst you read together. Simple questions like "What do you think will happen next?" or "How does that character feel?" help develop comprehension skills. You can also with sounds and rhymes through songs, nursery rhymes and word games. These reading activities help children hear the individual sounds in words, which is essential for learning to read.

Finally, expose your child to print everywhere in daily life. Point out signs, labels and writing on food packets to show that reading is useful.