Mid-Summer Reading Slump? Try This Gentle Reset Artwork

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!

All Episodes

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Mid-Summer Reading Slump? Try This Gentle Reset

July 31, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 15

Is your once-promising summer reading routine unraveling fast? You’re not alone. By mid-summer, even the most enthusiastic readers can lose steam—and that’s okay.

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook offers a compassionate, realistic approach to navigating the mid-summer reading slump. Whether your child is avoiding books, glued to screens, or just plain bored, you’ll find gentle, guilt-free strategies to help them reconnect with reading without forcing a thing.

What You’ll Learn:

Why the summer slump is normal—and not your fault
How to identify what’s really making reading hard right now
Practical, low-pressure ways to make reading feel fresh again
Small habit shifts that reset your rhythm before school starts

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

[00:01:14] Reframing the “slump” as a mid-season reset

[00:02:20] One simple question to uncover what’s making reading hard

[00:02:51] Novelty-based ideas to reignite interest (yes—even reading in the bathtub!)

[00:03:26] When to say yes to rereads, audiobooks, or “silly” books

[00:04:12] One small habit to focus on before school starts

[00:05:09] Encouragement to reset without guilt—and keep the tone light

[00:05:21] Sneak peek at next week’s episode

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/07/31/mid-summer-reading-slump/

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/dlLpi-uQIJ8

✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle with 164 inspiring ideas to help your child read their way—anytime, anywhere.
📥 Get it here → bit.ly/rblbundle

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