“You Get to Read!” — Helping Kids See Reading as Fun, Not a Job
By a Reading Interventionist & Teacher
As a reading interventionist, I work every day with students who are learning to read, struggling to read, or growing into strong, confident readers. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned over the years is this: the way children feel about reading often starts at home.
Parents have a huge influence—not just in whether their children read, but how they think and feel about reading.
If you’ve ever said, “You have to read now,” you’re not alone. Many of us say this without even realizing how it sounds. But here’s the truth: when reading is framed like a chore, it starts to feel like a chore. And no one, especially kids, enjoys doing something that feels like a task or punishment.
So what can parents do instead?
Shift the Language: “You Get to Read!”
The simplest—and most powerful—change you can make is in the words you use. Try saying:
- “It’s time to relax and read your story!”
- “You get to pick a book tonight—how fun is that?”
- “Let’s snuggle up with a book together!”
These little changes help children associate reading with something enjoyable and rewarding. When reading feels like a treat instead of a task, kids are far more likely to develop a love for it.
Build Positive Reading Habits at Home
Here are some practical ways parents can make reading feel fun and exciting:
📚 Let Them Choose – Let your child pick the books, even if it’s the same dinosaur story for the tenth night in a row. Choice builds motivation.
📖 Make Reading Cozy – Create a “reading nook” with pillows or a blanket. Reading under a fort or with a flashlight can turn it into an adventure!
😄 Celebrate Reading Time – Make reading something to look forward to. “After dinner, we get to dive into your new book!”
👨👩👧 Read Together – Shared reading is not just for little ones. Kids of all ages benefit from hearing parents read smoothly—and they love the connection with you.
🎉 Be a Reading Role Model – Let your child see you reading books, recipes, magazines—anything! It sends a message: reading is fun and valuable.
For Struggling Readers: Keep the Enjoyment
If your child struggles with reading, it’s even more important to keep the experience positive. They may already feel frustrated or embarrassed. Focusing on the joy of reading—not just the skill—helps them feel safe to keep trying.
Try:
- Reading to them without pressure
- Choosing silly or funny books that make them laugh
- Listening to audiobooks together in the car or before bed
- Finding books that they can read easily to build confidence
Every child deserves to believe that reading is something they can do and want to do.
Let’s Make Reading Something Kids Love
Helping children fall in love with reading isn’t about worksheets or drills—it’s about building positive, pleasant associations. When parents approach reading with excitement and warmth, children feel that energy. They learn that reading isn’t just a school assignment—it’s a way to relax, explore, connect, and imagine.
So next time you reach for a book with your child, remember:
✨ You get to read together. ✨
That simple shift can make all the difference.
Warmly,
Amanda Lynde, M.Ed.
Reading Interventionist | Teacher | Mom
