How do I get my child to enjoy reading?

One of the questions we hear most from parents is this. My child can read, but they do not seem to enjoy it. How do I help them love reading?

At Zen Tutoring, we believe that reading should never feel like a chore. It should feel like a comfort. A doorway. A quiet joy. And the path to that joy begins not with pressure, but with connection.

Let reading feel easy

If a child finds reading hard, it can quickly become something they avoid. Start by letting them read below their level. Choose books they can fly through. This builds fluency, confidence and a sense of success. There is no rush to push difficulty. Confidence comes first.

Follow their interests

Some children love stories. Others prefer facts, jokes or comics. Some are drawn to animals or football or funny characters. Let them choose what they want to read, even if it is not what you imagined. When a child sees reading as a way to explore what they care about, it becomes meaningful.

Make it part of daily life

Reading does not need to be long or formal. It can be ten minutes before bed. A shared recipe. A road sign. A caption under a picture. When children see reading everywhere, they begin to see it as a natural part of life.

Read together

Reading aloud to your child even if they are already reading independently. It builds connection. It brings stories alive. It gives you a shared experience to talk about. Children often fall in love with books because someone they love read to them.

Take the pressure off

Avoid quizzes or tests unless they enjoy them. Avoid asking too many questions at the end of a book. Simply ask, Did you enjoy it? What did you like? Let reading be about pleasure, not performance.

At Zen Tutoring, we bring books to life in a way that feels warm, engaging and personal. We match children with texts that speak to their interests. We help them feel calm and capable. And we build positive reading habits that last far beyond the session.

If your child is finding reading hard to enjoy, we would love to support you

Our sessions are designed to rebuild reading confidence and nurture a lifelong love of books.