Can a Dyslexic Child Learn to Love Reading?

When Reading Feels Like a Battle

“I just don’t like books.” If you’ve heard your child say this—and especially if they’re dyslexic—it might sting a little more deeply. You know how important reading is, not just for school, but for imagining new worlds, dreaming big dreams, and operating confidently in everyday life. And when your child seems to pull away from reading, it’s natural to feel concerned or even helpless.

But let me reassure you: struggling with reading is not the same as hating reading. And disliking reading now doesn’t mean your child is destined to be a lifelong non-reader. The truth is, even a dyslexic child can grow to love books—it just requires a different path, one that honors how their brain works, and how they connect emotionally to stories and words.

Dyslexia and the Reading Disconnect

Let’s take a moment to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. A child with dyslexia processes written information differently. Their brain doesn’t automatically match letters to sounds in the way neurotypical readers do. Neurological studies show that it's not a matter of intelligence, but of access: the route from text to meaning is slower, more laborious, and often discouraging.

So it’s no wonder that many children start to associate reading with frustration, or worse, with feelings of failure. But what if we told stories first—before we asked them to read? What if the joy of narrative came before the hurdles of decoding?

Start with the Heart, Not the Eyes

Falling in love with books doesn’t have to begin with printed words on a page. For a child with dyslexia, listening often opens the door that reading cannot. Audiobooks, bedtime storytelling, podcasts made for kids—these mediums ignite imagination and build vocabulary without creating frustration.

One dad I spoke to recently found that his 9-year-old, Sofia, who dreaded silent reading at school, began to light up when they listened to adventure audiobooks during car rides. Not only did her interest in stories bloom, but eventually she began asking to read along with the physical book while listening. That transition was entirely her idea, born from joy rather than pressure.

Apps and tools that turn written lessons into audio can offer a bridge here, especially during downtimes such as mornings or trips. Some even let children become the protagonists of the story—imagine turning a history lesson into an audio adventure where your child, using their own name, saves a lost city or explores ancient Egypt. One such app, Skuli, does just that, helping reluctant readers connect to school content in a creative and engaging format.

Remove the Fear Factor

Many dyslexic children develop what’s known as “reading avoidance.” It’s not defiance; it's self-defense. When reading has consistently brought difficulty or embarrassment, why wouldn’t they shy away?

This is why how we respond as parents matters immensely. Avoid comments like “It's easy, come on,” or “Just try harder.” Those statements, though well-meaning, can be painful. Instead, focus on celebrating effort and making space for struggle without shame. This gentle guide on what not to say offers helpful insights for creating a safe emotional space around reading.

Reframe reading as a choice, not a chore. Let your child pick books that are below their reading level if it means they’ll feel successful. Re-read the same book 40 times if that helps build fluency and familiarity. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

Build a Reading Life—One Positive Experience at a Time

No one falls in love with reading after one good experience. For a dyslexic child especially, loving books is a relationship that must be built with trust. And yes, it’s slow. Sometimes achingly so. But it’s never a waste.

To nurture that relationship, try creating rituals that turn reading into meaningful connection. For instance:

• Co-read a chapter each night—your child reads a few lines, you read the rest.
• Pair reading with calming moments: under a blanket, with hot cocoa, together on the sofa.
• Let them see you reading for fun—not emails or the news, but actual books.

When reading becomes about closeness instead of achievement, motivation tends to follow.

Connect Content to Curiosity

One of the most powerful motivators for any child is curiosity. The great news? Dyslexia doesn’t diminish curiosity—in fact, many dyslexic kids are especially imaginative and inquisitive. So when reading ties into something they care deeply about—dogs, outer space, cars, fantasy creatures—they’re more likely to push through the discomfort. Turning a school science lesson into a set of playful quiz questions (something you can even do by snapping a quick photo using certain learning apps) can also help your child review without dread.

Learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially for dyslexic learners. That’s why exploring multi-sensory tools—like stories that teach school content or app-based gamified reviews—can be a game changer. The goal isn’t to avoid reading. It’s to grow into it, bit by bit, in a way that feels safe and inspiring.

A Lifelong Gift, One Page at a Time

Reading won’t come easily to all children. But love—love for stories, for imagination, for learning—can absolutely come, even for those who walk a harder path. And perhaps that’s the greater victory. Because what counts, in the end, isn’t just how fast a child reads, but how deeply they connect with what they read. Dyslexia may shift the way a child learns, but it never diminishes their ability to love learning.

So be patient. Create a rich landscape of words and stories. Give your child access to books in every format that works for them. Read together. Laugh out loud. Tell each other stories. Because the love of reading isn’t taught overnight. It’s cultivated—moment by moment, and page by page.