Engaging Reluctant Readers
Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.
Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.
As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.
You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.
Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.
Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!
Engaging Reluctant Readers
What is a Reluctant Reader? Signs, Struggles & How to Help
Does your child avoid books, complain about reading, or act completely uninterested—no matter what you try? You may have a reluctant reader...but you're not alone, and there's plenty you can do to help.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook (a former reluctant reader herself) breaks down:
☑️ What it really means to be a reluctant reader
☑️ The 3 most common types of reluctant readers: Struggling, Disinterested, & Distracted
☑️ Why your child might resist reading—even if they're capable of doing it
☑️ Practical, judgment-free strategies to help your child build reading confidence and curiosity
Whether your kid zones out during story time, claims books are "boring," or can't be pulled away from their tablet, this episode will give you fresh insight—and a place to start.
🔗Prefer to Read📖: You can check out the full blog post here!
📺 Prefer to Watch? Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/57TYUP3-vSk
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:01:29] What is a reluctant reader?
[00:02:50] The 3 most common types of reluctant readers
[00:05:04] The emotional side of reading struggles
[00:06:31] Actionable strategies for each type of reluctant reader
[00:08:23] Sneak peek of next episode: Creating an irresistible invitation to read at home
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It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
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[00:00:00] Welcome to the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast. I'm Ellen Westbrook, your host and Recovering Reluctant Reader. Together, we'll tackle reading roadblocks with personalized strategies and out of the box ideas, all while rediscovering the joy of family reading fun. Ready to transform your child's view of reading from dread to must be read?
[00:00:18] Let's dive into today's episode.
[00:00:25] Just a heads up, I wanted to let you know that each episode comes with a full blog post packed with extra tips and resources, so just check the episode description below for the link.
[00:00:34] Are you tired of the nightly battles over reading? Struggling to understand what all the fuss is about? I mean, you'd gladly dive into a book for hours if you could only find the time. So why doesn't your kid feel the same way? I hate to break it to you, but you probably already know. You've got a reluctant reader on your hands.
[00:00:51] But don't worry. This isn't some kind of death sentence. Your kid isn't doomed to hate reading for all time. Take me, for example. I was a reluctant reader for most of my life, and now I love it. Together, we'll find the right tools and strategies to help your kid flip the switch, too.
[00:01:05] In today's episode, we're tackling two key questions. What exactly is a reluctant reader, and why do they struggle? We'll look at the different types of reluctant readers, and dive into some tailored strategies to help each one. By the end of this episode, you'll not only understand your kid's dreaded view of reading, but you'll also have an actionable first step to help change the course of their reading journey.
[00:01:25] So, what exactly do we mean when we say reluctant reader?
[00:01:29] A reluctant reader is simply a child who isn't motivated to read. Maybe they avoid it, maybe they complain, or maybe they just flat out refuse. Sound familiar? Here's where it gets tricky. Not all reluctant readers are the same. The strategies that work for one child might not work for another. That's why it's so important to zero in on the right approach for your unique reluctant reader. Even when reading wasn't my cup of tea, the right book, the right project, or even the right teacher could coax me into finding the joy of reading.
[00:01:56] For example, give me the chance to tap into my creative side, [00:02:00] maybe with an art project, a bit of theatrics, or a relatable character, and I was a goner. I vividly remember watching the Romeo and Juliet movie with Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo, swoon, and then reading Shakespeare for the first time in seventh grade. Fast forward to the following year, and I found myself visiting London, England, and Stratford-upon-Avon for the first time. That experience inspired me to dive headfirst into memorizing as much Shakespeare as I could. I still have journals from my childhood filled with favorite lines and passages scribbled inside. Sure, I went through another reading lull for a while after that, but my love for England was one of the things that brought me back to books, this time through Charlotte Bronte and Jane Austen. In fact, diving into Austen's works and stories inspired by her novels continues to keep me excited about reading. To this day.
[00:02:45] It's not about forcing a passion. It's about tapping into their interests and planting the seeds for future reading fun.
[00:02:50] Now, let's break this down into the three main types of reluctant readers. I want you to think about where your child might fit.
[00:02:56] First, we have the struggling reader.
[00:02:59] Signs: they get frustrated easily with reading tasks. They avoid reading aloud. Or they struggle with basic skills and comprehension.
[00:03:06] Why do they struggle? Reading doesn't come naturally. Now, truth be told, it comes naturally to very few. Some just pick it up better than others. But for a struggling reader, it likely feels like an insurmountable mountain. Maybe they're behind their peers or have an undiagnosed learning difference like dyslexia. Just know that's not the only one. More on that in a minute.
[00:03:25] Strategy: it's all about building their confidence and their skills. If you think your child might be struggling with their foundational skills or something bigger, don't hesitate to seek further guidance through their school or pediatrician.
[00:03:37] Then we have the disinterested reader.
[00:03:39] Signs: they complain that reading is boring or irrelevant. They likely roll their eyes at the mere mention of books or zone out during story time. This was definitely a big part of my reluctance. I somehow got this crazy idea in my head that I'd magically graduate from school and then never need reading again.
[00:03:55] Obviously not true, and a rude awakening when I graduated college and became an administrative assistant where I was constantly reading emails, editing papers, and projects, etc. The joke was 100 percent on me.
[00:04:08] Why do they struggle? They haven't found their just right books. Stories that connect with their interests. Like Jane Austen and Shakespeare for me.
[00:04:16] Strategy: loosen the reins. Let them choose their own books.
[00:04:20] Last, we have the distracted reader.
[00:04:23] Signs. They're glued to a tablet, game controller, basically any type of technology, or they'd rather be outdoors or off doing some sort of activity.
[00:04:31] For me, it was dance, and ironically, theater. But somehow memorizing lines didn't actually feel like reading or work for that matter. It was just Fun!
[00:04:40] Why they struggle? Reading Has to compete with faster paced, more stimulating activities.
[00:04:45] Your strategy? Tap into their interests.
[00:04:48] Alright, now that I've gone through the most common types of reluctant readers, which type best describes your kiddo? Maybe it's a combination. Take a moment to think about this. Got it? Great, welcome to your starting point because this is a journey, not a sprint.
[00:05:04] Before we dive deeper into strategies, I want to help bridge the gap between you and your reluctant reader by talking about the emotional side of things. As a recovering reluctant reader, I can tell you it's tough when you're being told you have to read. It feels like a chore.
[00:05:19] So always remember the words of Kate DiCamillo, "Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift."
[00:05:28] That being said, while reading only ever felt like a chore for me, it could be different for your child depending on the type of reluctant reader you have. Their reluctance could come with feelings of inadequacy or anxiety.
[00:05:38] They may think, I'm not good at this, so why even try?
[00:05:42] On the flip side, as a mom, I've seen how hard it is to watch your child resist something you enjoy so much. My nine-year-old, JD, has been on his fair share of rides on the reading rollercoaster. And considering he was my main inspiration for getting back into reading as an adult, you know that's got to sting a bit.
[00:06:00] It's easy to feel guilty or frustrated or perhaps feel some self-doubt creeping in. And guess what? That's normal. But here's the thing. Your kid's reluctance is not your fault. And it's not a reflection of your parenting either. Instead, it's an opportunity to connect with your child and help them grow as a person and a reader.
[00:06:18] Your role as a mom or a parent is to gently challenge that inner narrative they're struggling with. And to do that, you have to meet them where they are.
[00:06:26] So what does that mean? Changing the narrative. And how do I go about doing that?
[00:06:31] For struggling readers, start small and work on building their reading confidence. Choose books that are below their reading level to build up their skills. For kids still learning to read, find books that focus on specific skills in manageable chunks. Don't be afraid to get outside help if they need it. And lastly, let them see you make mistakes when you're reading so they know it's okay to be imperfect.
[00:06:53] For disinterested readers, make reading fun. Let them read what they want to read, whether it's graphic novels, joke books, magazines, or even recipes. If they're reading something, anything, it counts. Create an inviting reading space. I'll dive deeper into this in the next episode. Or bring stories to life with activities, excitement, or even a themed snack.
[00:07:15] For distracted readers, lean into their interests as much as possible. If they love sports, try a book about their favorite team. If video games or movies are more their thing, find character guides or fan fiction. You can even get them involved in theater, either on stage themselves, or simply enjoying a production from the audience. Who knows? Maybe they'll go off and start memorizing lines from their favorite scenes.
[00:07:36] For the techie types, try audiobooks. They're a great way to get their toes wet while embracing a bit of technology. Audiobooks can be enjoyed when kids are coloring, playing with Play Doh, building magnet blocks, or even while riding in the car. Pretty much any activity that doesn't require deep thought or following instructions.
[00:07:53] Regardless of the type of reluctant reader you have, it's important to always make reading a positive experience. This likely means letting go of your ideal reading scenario that you've painted in your mind.
[00:08:03] It doesn't mean you can't get there some day, but it's not where we need to start. Right now, it doesn't matter if they're reading a picture book instead of a chapter book, a comic book instead of a classic novel. What matters most is that they engage with reading in any form.
[00:08:17] Just know this. I believe in you, Mama.
[00:08:20] You've got this!
[00:08:20] Together, we can make reading fun!
[00:08:23] Before we wrap up, be sure to check out the next episode. We'll dive into how to create an irresistible invitation to read. Everything from displaying books in your home to designing a cozy can't resist book nook. And for those of you with hectic schedules, I'll share practical tips for squeezing in reading on the go and how to keep reading from feeling like just another school assignment. It's all about making reading fun and a natural part of your family's daily life.
[00:08:47] Looking for more details? There's a full blog post with extra tips and resources for each episode. You'll find the link for this week's episode in the description.
[00:08:54] Thanks so much for tuning into today's episode. If you're loving the Engaging Reluctant Readers podcast, I'd love it if you could leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so these strategies can be shared to take more kiddos from dread to must-be read.
[00:09:07] Are you ready to spark some reading inspiration?
[00:09:09] Head on over to bit.ly/RBLBundle to get your free Reading Bucket List Bundle. With 164 inspiring ideas, you can give your child the power to choose where, what, and how they embark on their reading adventures and embrace reading on their own terms. No more pulling teeth, just excitement and a genuine love for stories anytime, anywhere.
[00:09:31] By snagging your bundle, you'll stay in the reading groove and never miss out on upcoming episodes. Until next time, this is Ellen Westbrook wishing you, happy reading!