How to Help Your Child Love Reading

 How to Help Your Child Love Reading

GEMMA G. SUBIGCA

Turn Pages into Possibilities

Why My Mom’s Bedtime Stories Made Me a Reader (And Why It Still Matters Today)

When I was a child, bedtime in our house didn’t mean silence—it meant story time. While most kids drifted off to sleep with lullabies, I fell asleep to the sound of my mom’s voice, flipping through pages of storybooks filled with fairy tales, friendly animals, and magical lands.

The funny thing?

She wasn’t even reading to me.

She was reading to my baby sister. I just happened to be nearby—close enough to listen, quiet enough not to interrupt. Night after night, I would sit there pretending not to care, but secretly, I was soaking in every word.

Her voice was warm, steady, and full of feeling. No lectures. No lessons. Just beautiful words and imagination. And I didn’t know it then, but I was being taught something far more powerful than ABCs—I was learning to love language.

The Surprising Result

When I entered Grade 1, something strange happened.

I could already read.

I recognized words. I understood what I read. It felt as natural as breathing. My teacher asked if I had attended reading lessons or preschool enrichment classes. The answer was no.

I had simply been listening to my mom every night.

The Argument: Reading Aloud Works—and It's Magical

This experience taught me something I now believe with all my heart:

Reading aloud is one of the most powerful tools a parent has.

And science agrees.

Study after study shows that children who are read to regularly develop stronger vocabularies, better comprehension, and—most importantly—a lifelong love for books. It’s not about expensive tutors or high-tech gadgets. It’s about moments—shared, consistent, loving moments. 

Children who are read to don’t just hear words. They feel them.

They associate reading with warmth, safety, connection.

And that emotional bond becomes a bridge to literacy.

You Don’t Have to Be a Teacher to Teach Reading

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to be an educator to help your child become a reader.

You don’t need a library full of books.

You don’t even need a formal routine.

All you need is your voice, a few minutes, and the willingness to make reading feel like a treat, not a task.

My mom never sat me down to say, “Today, we’re going to learn how to read.” She just opened a book, turned a page, and gave her time. That was enough.

Why This Still Matters

In a world filled with screens, distractions, and noise, bedtime stories might feel old-fashioned.

But maybe that’s exactly why we need them now more than ever.

So tonight, pick up a book. Read aloud—even if your child is wiggly, distracted, or “not in the mood.” Even if you think they’re not listening.

Because they are.

And one day, they might just say what I now say proudly:

“My mom’s bedtime stories made me a reader.

”Reading is one of the best gifts you can give your child. It helps them grow, imagine, and understand the world better.

But what if your child doesn't like reading yet? Don’t worry—there are easy and fun ways to help them fall in love with books

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Start with just 10 minutes a day. Read before bedtime or during quiet time. The more your child sees books, the more they’ll feel that reading is a normal (and fun!) part of life.

2. Choose the Right Books

Pick books that match your child’s interests. Do they love animals, trucks, fairies, or food? There’s a book for every passion. Let them choose too—kids love feeling in control.

3. Read Together with Excitement

Use your voice to make the story come alive! Change your tone, add sound effects, and laugh along. Kids will look forward to reading when it's full of fun and feeling.

4. Let Them See You Read

Children copy what they see. When they see you reading—even just magazines, recipes, or devotionals—they learn that reading is something grown-ups enjoy too.

5. Use Picture Books and Story Cards

Young readers need visuals. Bright images help them understand the story better. You can even use printable storybooks like the ones from WonderleafBooksPH to make learning colorful and exciting.

6. Praise Their Effort

Celebrate the small wins! If they read one sentence or even just try, tell them, “Great job!” Positive words give them the confidence to keep going.

7. Make Reading Part of Play

Turn stories into games. Act out the scenes, draw what happened, or ask silly questions like “What if the cat could fly?” Learning becomes more fun when it feels like play.

Every child can learn to love reading—especially with your help. Start slow, be patient, and enjoy the journey. One day, you’ll find them curled up with a book, and you’ll smile, knowing you helped them get there.

How to Help Your Child Love Reading (Even If They Struggle at First)

“Reading is fun!” we tell our children—but is it really fun when the words dance around the page like fireflies in the dark? For many young learners, especially in their early school years, reading isn’t a magical adventure—it’s a frustrating maze.

 

And let me be honest—I’ve been there as a mom.

 

 When Reading Feels Like a Wall

My own child, already in Grade 1, couldn’t read even simple words—not in English, not even in Hiligaynon. While other parents posted videos of their kids reading fluently, I was trying to figure out how to get past “A, E, I, O, U.”

 

Was I worried? Absolutely.

Did I feel like a failure? A little.

Did I give up? Not a chance.

 

 Learning Doesn't Always Start in School

Here’s something many parents forget: the classroom isn’t the only place where reading begins. Sometimes, it starts at home—on a wall, near a bedroom, with a sister’s voice leading the way.

My eldest daughter did something brilliant. She wrote Hiligaynon words on a big piece of Manila paper and posted it on the wall. Every single day, after bath time, she read the words aloud—and asked her little brother to follow. No pressure. Just repetition.

And one day…

The Surprise That Changed Everything

Out of nowhere, my son read a text message out loud from my phone. Without being taught. Without me prompting. I froze in disbelief.

That was the day he discovered he could read—and more importantly, that he wanted to.

What This Taught Me as a Mom

Parents often think they need expensive programs or professional tutors. But what kids really need is:

A safe space to fail and try again

 Daily exposure to words, no matter how basic 

A routine that feels natural, not forced

Encouragement—not judgment

We overcomplicate reading. We push worksheets and drills, forgetting that learning is emotional before it becomes academic.

 Let’s Argue This: Is It the Child’s Fault—Or Ours?

Let’s stop asking: “Why can’t my child read?”

And start asking: “What kind of environment have I created to help them love reading?”

Children don’t hate books. They hate feeling dumb.

They don’t avoid reading. They avoid disappointment.

So let’s change that.

Tips to Help Your Child Fall in Love With Reading

Start with sounds, not sentences. Rhymes, songs, silly poems.

Post words around the house. Like magic, they’ll start recognizing them.

Read aloud—even when they can’t. Your voice becomes their guide.

Celebrate effort, not just progress. Did they try? Clap. Did they improve? Cheer.

Let them choose what to read. Even if it’s comics, labels, or signs. Reading is reading!

To all Fellow Moms (and Dads) out there

Helping your child love reading isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. You don’t need to be a teacher or a literacy expert. You just need to show up, consistently, with patience and love.

Because when children feel safe, they’ll take risks.

When they’re encouraged, they’ll try.

And when they realize they can read, they’ll never stop.

Let Them Bloom in Their Own Season: A Mother's Story About Readiness and the Love of Learning

I’ve always believed that every child blooms in their own time. And I saw that first-hand with my daughter. 

As early as one year old, she would surprise me with how she held a pencil—not with random scribbles like most toddlers, but with purpose. She would draw perfect circles, clean straight lines, and even create little drawings from her imagination. It was as if her tiny fingers already knew they had stories to tell.

Every morning, while the world was still waking up, she would sit near the window with her little notebook and pencil—the one I bought from the market—and scribble what she saw. A bird on a wire. The sun rising. The shape of a flower. She wasn’t just doodling. She was observing, recording, expressing.

 At two years old, she surprised me again. She asked to write her name. And she did. At three, she came to me with curious eyes and asked, “Mommy, can you teach me to read this?” And “How do you write this in cursive?”

Yes—cursive. At three.

 When she entered the daycare center, she was already confidently reading simple three-letter words. By the time she was in kindergarten, she was writing her name in flowing cursive letters that some Grade 3 students still struggled with.

 But here’s the truth I want to share with every parent reading this:

Readiness is not a race.

It’s a rhythm.

Just because my daughter was an early reader doesn’t mean other children are late. It simply means each child has their own unique timeline for learning.

Some children will ask for books at two.

Some will only start enjoying stories at six.

Some will read early, while others will explore the world with their hands and hearts before their eyes learn to follow the page.

To Every Parent Worried About Their Child's Pace

If your child isn’t reading yet… if they scribble randomly… if they seem disinterested in books or writing—don’t panic.

Don’t compare.

Don’t pressure.

Because when the time is right—when their mind and heart are ready—you will be surprised. One day you’ll hear them sound out a word you didn’t even teach. You’ll find a note they wrote. You’ll catch them pretending to read a story to their toy.

And it will click.

A Gentle Reminder: You Are Not Behind

It’s easy to feel worried when we see other children excelling early. But remember, development is not linear. Some flowers bloom in spring, others in late summer—but all are beautiful when they do.

So instead of racing against the clock, give your child the space to grow. Surround them with love, stories, songs, and support.

One day, they’ll take that pencil, write their name, and read a story aloud—and you’ll know it was all worth the wait.

Reading Isn’t Always the First Step—Sometimes, It’s the Reward

I once had a student who truly tested my patience—and in the end, strengthened my faith in every struggling learner.

He was already in Grade 4 but still couldn’t read—not even a single word. Writing his own name was difficult. I had tutored him since Grade 1, and while most children slowly improved over time, he didn’t. He was a very slow learner, and at one point, his mother decided to transfer him to a public school, hoping for a change.

But things got even more difficult. He became more stubborn, more withdrawn. When he returned to our private school in Grade 4, nothing seemed to have changed. Still a non-reader. Still behind.

I wondered: How could I reach him?

Then, one day, I tried something different.

The Science Trivia That Changed Everything

We were reviewing for a science trivia contest, and I didn’t expect much. Since he couldn’t read, I read the questions aloud to him, and he simply chose his answer from the options I gave.

To my absolute shock… he got the correct answers. Again and again.

He didn’t just know the answers—he understood the questions. He was thinking, reasoning, and connecting ideas. I was stunned.

So I let him join the actual Science Trivia Contest.

And guess what?

He won.

But… I Thought He Couldn't Read?

That question haunted me. If he couldn’t read, how was he able to answer?

That’s when I realized—he could read. Maybe not fluently, maybe not confidently. But somewhere along the way, through listening, observing, and perhaps silently learning in his own way, something clicked.

One day, I handed him a simple passage. I held my breath. And he read it.

He read it. Slowly. But clearly.

The Lesson? Reading Is Not Just About the Eyes—It’s About the Mind and Heart

Too often, we assume that if a child can’t read early, they have a disability or are lazy. But maybe… just maybe… we’re not giving them the right tools, the right time, or the right encouragement.

Some children aren’t word-focused—they’re listeners. They’re thinkers. They store knowledge in other ways. And when we find their strength and build from it, reading follows.

To All Parents Who Are Losing Hope

If your child is struggling with reading, don’t give up.

Try audiobooks, videos, and interactive stories.

Try question-and-answer games like trivia.

Let them draw what they hear.

Let them retell stories in their own words.

Don’t punish slow readers. Celebrate small progress.

You might be surprised one day to hear them read a word you never taught. That’s not magic—that’s growth. That’s love. That’s patience.

Reading doesn’t always come in a straight line. Sometimes, it takes detours—through science contests, drawings, or whispered bedtime questions.

But with the right support, every child can become a reader.

You just have to believe—because one day, like me, you might whisper in awe:

“Oh my gosh… he can read.”

Let Them Pick the Book — Yes, Even If It’s About Dinosaurs for the 10th Time

Want to make your child excited about reading? Let them choose the book. Yes, even if it’s the same story about a muddy pig or a fire truck that you've read 47 times already. Why? Because when kids read what they love, they’re more likely to read.

You see, reading isn’t just about phonics and fluency—it’s about motivation. And motivation comes from interest.

I’ve seen this firsthand as a teacher of Kindergarten and Grade 1. The moment I opened our little bookshelf; my students would dash over like it was a toy store. Each child would grab their favorite book—maybe The Hungry Caterpillar, Goldilocks, or some random story about a magical goat—and beg me to read it aloud.

Sometimes, I didn’t even get to read it.

Because I’d pick a Storyteller of the Day—and oh, the drama! The pride in their voices as they flipped the pages. The laughter. The applause. Even the shy ones lit up when they got the spotlight.

Why did it work? Simple.

I honored their choices.

I didn’t force a story they didn’t like just because it was “educational.” I let their interests lead, and the reading followed.

So here’s my argument to every parent and teacher:

If you want children to fall in love with reading, stop choosing for them all the time. Offer them options. Give them power. Let them read about trucks, dragons, cupcakes, or fairies—whatever makes their eyes light up.

Because the truth is, it’s not about the book.

It’s about the feeling they get while reading it.

And when reading feels fun and personal, they’ll come back to it again and again.

 Let Them See You Read — Because You're the Most Powerful Book in the Room

Let’s be honest: kids have the memory of an elephant and the observation skills of a detective.

They know when you sneak chocolate.

They know where you hide the Wi-Fi password.

And they definitely know whether you actually read or just tell them to do it.

Here’s the truth: Children copy what they see.

And if they never see you read—not even a label, not even a grocery list—why should they believe that reading is something worth doing?

Reading shouldn’t look like homework. It should look like life.

My Favorite Bookstore Trick

I remember the first time I took my daughter to a bookstore. It was like taking her to Disneyland. Her eyes sparkled. She darted from one shelf to another, clutching every shiny, colorful book she could reach—even though she didn’t know how to read a single word.

“Mommy, can we buy this?” she’d ask, arms full of fairy tale books and sparkly covers.

And me? Being the practical, budget-conscious mom that I am?

“Anak, tingin lang tayo ha. We’ll just read here. We’ll buy next time.”

(Spoiler alert: There was rarely a next time.)

But here's the twist. Even though I didn’t buy her those books, I did something else—something more powerful.

I picked up a book myself.

I sat down.

And I started to read.

Not for her.

Not to teach her.

But because I wanted to.

And guess what?

She sat beside me. She flipped through her books. She stared at the pictures. She peeked at the words. And slowly, without me saying a thing, she fell in love with books—just by watching me enjoy them.

Now, she buys her own books. She reads them without being told. Because somewhere along the way, she realized:

"If Mommy loves reading… maybe I can love it too."

 If You Want a Reader, Be a Reader

Kids believe what they see, not just what they hear.

So if you’re always glued to your phone but telling your child to read? That message won’t land.

But if they see you flipping through a devotional, chuckling at a comic, or getting lost in a novel—they'll get curious. They’ll wonder what’s so good inside that book. And that’s how the magic begins.

Even if it’s just five minutes a day, your quiet reading time might be the loudest message your child ever hears:

Books are worth your time.

Stories matter.

And reading is not a chore—it’s a joy.

Use Picture Books and Story Cards — Because Words Are Better with Pictures (Especially for Beginners!)

Let’s face it—kids are visual creatures. They don’t just read stories, they want to see them.

A page full of text?

To a young learner, that’s a snoozefest.

But a page with colorful pictures, talking animals, and a smiling sun?

Now we’re talking!

When we use picture books and story cards, we’re giving our children the support they need to understand, imagine, and enjoy what they’re reading—even if they can’t decode every word yet.

Why Pictures Matter

Think about it: when a child sees a picture of a cat climbing a tree, they’re already halfway to understanding the sentence “The cat climbed the tree.”

They use clues.

They guess meanings.

They feel the story—even before they can read it fully.

Visuals act like training wheels. They help build comprehension, confidence, and interest. They’re not just decoration—they’re essential tools for young readers.

 Story Cards = Learning + Playtime

Here’s a secret: kids love stories more when they feel like they’re playing.

That’s why I often use story cards—simple images paired with key words or events. Sometimes I let my students arrange the cards to retell a story. Sometimes I let them guess what happens next based on a picture. And the result? Laughter, learning, and a lot of “Can we do it again, teacher?”

One great resource I’ve found?

Printable storybooks from WonderleafBooksPH.

They’re colorful, fun, easy to use, and they make reading feel like an adventure. Whether you're a teacher or a parent, tools like these can turn even the most hesitant child into a story lover.

 Don’t Start with Chapters—Start with Color

We often think, “They need to practice reading sentences, so let’s give them more words.”

But too many words without visuals can overwhelm early readers.

Instead, start with images. Let them connect pictures with words, actions with meaning. Let the story live in their imagination before expecting them to read fluently.

After all, even we adults enjoy a good picture once in a while, right? (Looking at you, recipe videos and comic strips.)

So if you want to keep your child hooked on reading, add a splash of color, a few giggles, and some picture-powered storytelling.

You’ll be surprised at how much a simple image can unlock a lifelong love for words.

Praise Their Effort — Because Every “Try” Deserves a Trophy

Let’s be real: reading is tough for kids.

It’s not just about knowing letters—it's about patience, confidence, and trying again after getting it wrong.

That’s why every effort, no matter how small, deserves a cheer.

Celebrate the Try, Not Just the Triumph

When a child reads one word—one tiny word—and looks up, hoping you noticed, that’s your golden moment.

Say it loud: “Great job!”

Clap your hands. Smile big. Give them a hug.

Because in that moment, they aren’t just learning to read…

They’re learning that reading feels good.

My Story: The Paper Ritual

Every day after school, my daughter would rush home and hand me her paper like it was a treasure map.

And it was.

It didn’t matter whether it was perfect or filled with scribbles—I always said, “Wow, this is amazing!” or “You worked so hard on this!”

Did it make her better overnight? No.

But did it make her want to read and write more? Absolutely.

The Argument: Praise Builds Readers

Some say we’re spoiling kids with too much praise.

But here’s a thought—when you’re just starting out, isn’t encouragement fuel?

Would you want to do something again if no one noticed you tried?

Children crave approval. A simple “Good job reading that!” tells their brain, “Do it again. That felt great.”

So praise effort. Not just the perfect answers or the long sentences.

Celebrate the try.

Because confidence is the secret ingredient to loving reading—and your words are the spark that lights it.

Make Reading Part of Play — Because Fun is the Fastest Way to Learn

Let’s be honest: if reading feels like homework, most kids will find an escape plan before you even finish the first page.

But if it feels like playtime?

Now you’ve got their attention—and maybe even a future bookworm in the making.

Turn Stories into Games

Why just read a story when you can act it out? Be the lion, the witch, or the flying cat!

Draw what happened in the story. Change the ending. Ask fun questions like:

“What if the cat could fly?”

“What if the frog became a prince and ran a burger stand?”

Let them giggle, imagine, move, and create. Because when reading becomes part of their world of play, it becomes something they want to do—not something they’re forced to.

My Story: The Playful Trick

As a teacher and a parent, I’ve read to kids who couldn’t sit still even if I showed them an entire cartoon on paper.

They’d zone out. Get bored. Change the story mid-sentence.

Sound familiar?

So, I stopped reading at them—and started playing with them.

We did word hunts, guess the character, and even “silly voice” reading time. Before I knew it, they were listening, laughing… and reading. 

One child who once struggled to follow even a few lines?

Now he’s flipping through books, completely hooked—and all we did was make it fun.

Play Isn’t Just Play—It’s Smart Teaching

Some people might say, “Playtime isn’t study time.”

But here’s the truth: children learn best when they’re having fun.

Their brains light up. Their curiosity kicks in. They retain more, try harder, and come back asking for more.

If you want a child to fall in love with reading, meet them where they are—on the playground of their imagination.

So yes, make reading silly. Make it messy. Make it fun.

Because one day, when they’re curled up with a book and giggling to themselves, you’ll know: play led them there.

Raising Readers Starts With You

Helping your child fall in love with reading doesn’t require expensive programs, advanced lessons, or a perfect learning plan. As we’ve seen, it’s the little things—the bedtime stories, the freedom to choose books they love, the example you set, the pictures and colors, the praise you give, and the way you turn reading into play—that truly make a difference.

 

Whether it’s your toddler flipping through picture books, your Grade 1 students eagerly picking their favorite story for the day, or that one struggling learner who surprised you by winning a trivia contest—you’ll realize one thing:

Every child can be a reader.

They just need someone to believe in them, read with them, and open the door to stories that speak to their heart.

So read aloud. Laugh with them. Cheer them on. Make reading a part of life—not just a subject.

Because one day, without even noticing it, you’ll see them curled up with a book, completely lost in its magic.

 And you’ll smile…

Because you helped them get there.