By recognizing some common obstacles and trying a few simple strategies, you can make reading a more natural and enjoyable part of your family’s routine.
We all know that reading is important—it helps us learn, relax, and connect with new ideas and perspectives. Most of us also know we should spend more time reading, but actually sitting down with a book can feel like a challenge. Whether it’s a busy schedule, distractions, or just not knowing where to begin, there are plenty of reasons we put it off.
This post explores some of the common hurdles that get in the way of regular reading and offers practical, encouraging tips for overcoming them. If you’ve been wanting to make reading a bigger part of your family’s life, this might be just the gentle nudge you need to get started.
“My kids say they don’t like reading.”
Solution: Surround your kids with books—and make time to read them together.
Most kids who say they “hate” reading simply don’t have enough access to books. Take frequent trips to the library and keep a wide variety of reading material at home.1
Reading begets reading—the more you read with your kids, the more your kids will want to read.2
“My kids don’t have the attention span for books.”
Solution: Consistently set aside time to read.
Children build their attention span through experience. Start by reading short books or just a few pages at a time, then gradually increase the length.3
Children as young as preschool or kindergarten can grow their attention span to enjoy listening to a chapter book for 30 minutes or more.4
“I can’t get my kids to sit still while I read.”
Solution: Let them move!
Studies show that many kids listen better when they engage their hands. Read while they are coloring, building Legos, working on a puzzle, crafting, etc.5
“My kids can read on their own—they don’t need me anymore.”
Solution: Keep reading aloud—just upgrade the material.
Most children can listen at a higher level than they can read. When you read more complex books aloud, you’re feeding their vocabulary.6
“I don’t know what to read!”
Solution: Start reading, and the path will reveal itself.
Spend time exploring books together. You’ll quickly learn what your children enjoy—and what they don’t.7 And remember, it’s perfectly okay to stop a book you’re not enjoying.8
Need ideas? Check out these recommended lists:
Read Aloud Revival Recommendations
Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education Recommendations
Lutheran Witness Little Children Book List
Lutheran Witness Older Children Book List
Lutheran Witness High School Book List
Wittenberg Academy Literature List
LCMS Religious Reading Recommendations
Hillsdale K-12 Reading List (PDF)
“I never read to my kids much, and now they’re too old.”
Solution: It’s never too late to start.
Consider your timing and start with a small portion of a book – something you read and enjoyed and thought your kid(s) might enjoy too and let it grow from there.9
“I’m not a great reader. My kids don’t want to listen to me.”
Solution: Use audiobooks or wordless books.
“We don’t have enough time to read.”
Solution: Start with just 10 minutes a day.
Everyone can find 10 minutes. Just 10 minutes a day adds up to 60 hours a year. You will be amazed at the number of books you can get through in just 10 minutes a day. If you can bump that up to 20 minutes a day, that’s over 100 hours a year! 11
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, reading doesn’t have to be a perfect or a time-consuming habit—it just needs to be meaningful and consistent. Whether you start with a few pages before bed, listen to audiobooks in the car, or carve out quiet moments on the weekend, every little bit counts.
By recognizing the common obstacles and trying a few simple strategies, you can make reading a more natural and enjoyable part of your family’s routine.
So go ahead—pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, and take the first step, one page at a time.
Happy reading!
Works Cited:
1, 2, 7, : Krashen, Stephen D. The Power of Reading: Insights from the Research. Libraries Unlimited ; Heinemann, 2004.
5, 10, 11, : Mackenzie, Sarah. The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids. Zondervan, 2018.
3, 4, 6, 8, 9, : Trelease, Jim. The Read-Aloud Handbook: Includes a Giant Treasury of Great Read-Aloud Books. Penguin Books, 2013.
