Early Signs of Dyslexia in a 6-Year-Old: What Every Parent Should Know

Understanding Your Child’s Struggles with Reading

When your 6-year-old sits at the table, eyes brimming with tears over a page of simple words, it's hard not to feel helpless. You might wonder: Is this just a phase—normal early reading frustration? Or is there something deeper going on? For many parents, the word dyslexia floats uneasily in their minds long before they get a diagnosis. But recognizing the early signs can be a powerful first step toward giving your child the right support, confidence, and tools.

What Dyslexia Can Look Like at Age 6

Dyslexia isn’t just about reversing letters or slow reading. At this age, the symptoms can be subtle, scattered, or easily confused with a lack of focus or motivation. One mother I spoke with, Léa, said her son Jules loved being read to but avoided reading anything himself—menus, street signs, even the names of his favorite games. "He said the letters played tricks on him," she told me.

If this sounds familiar, you might consider these common early indicators:

• Difficulty recognizing rhymes or playing phonics games: These activities require breaking words into sound units, a skill that comes less intuitively to children with dyslexia.
• Frequently confusing letters that look alike (like b and d, p and q).
• Trouble remembering the names or sounds of letters, even after frequent exposure at school.
• Telling stories well aloud, but struggling to put those same thoughts into writing.
• Acting out or avoiding reading tasks, perhaps feeling embarrassed by their own difficulties.

Keep in mind: Every child develops at their own pace. But if you notice several of these behaviors persisting over time, it's worth gently exploring further. Here’s how signs can evolve in slightly older children.

How Emotions and Learning Challenges Collide

One of the hardest parts of early dyslexia is the silent battle with self-worth. A child who believes they’re "bad at reading" often begins to believe they’re just not as smart. This emotional toll can manifest as school-related stress, tantrums during homework, or resistance to new tasks. As parents, our instinct is often to correct quickly—but in truth, what children need most is to feel seen.

Try to observe without judgment. If your child guesses words instead of sounding them out, they’re likely relying on visual memory to cope. If they remember whole stories but struggle to name individual letters, it shows they understand meaning, just not the mechanics yet. This duality—strong comprehension but weak decoding—is a hallmark of dyslexia.

Creating a Learning Environment That Supports, Not Pressures

The path forward doesn’t have to be filled with tests and tutors from day one. Sometimes, small, strategic changes at home can make a real difference. Think of bedtime stories as more than a ritual—they are your child’s chance to develop a love for language, even if they’re not reading yet. Let them retell parts, ask follow-up questions, or even act stories out.

Many parents also find that multisensory tools can take the pressure off traditional instruction. If your child struggles to retain written lessons, for example, turning those lessons into short, personal audio recordings can change everything—especially in moments like car rides or quiet downtime. Some families have found that using tools like the Skuli App, which turns written lessons into audio adventures narrated with your child’s name, can make learning feel like play instead of pressure.

Working With the School – And Trusting Your Parental Intuition

If your instincts tell you something is off, don’t be afraid to bring those observations to your child’s teacher. Most educators appreciate parents who openly share what works (and what doesn’t) at home. Ask if the teacher has noticed similar issues with reading, writing, or focus. You could also explore whether differentiated instruction is available at the school to better match your child’s reading level.

In some cases, especially if your child's challenges persist despite effort and support, a professional learning evaluation might be the next best step. It doesn't label your child—it helps you both understand their brain better.

Your Child’s Strengths Matter Just as Much

We often get so focused on deficits—what our children can’t do yet—that we overlook the gifts dyslexia frequently brings. Many children with dyslexia are amazing verbal storytellers, visual thinkers, or empathetic friends. They often develop strong problem-solving skills because they have to work around challenges early on. If your child has an intense imagination, unusual curiosity, or a quirky sense of humor, those are clues, too. They may benefit from approaches you’d find helpful when supporting a gifted, but easily frustrated child.

And when we honor both their challenges and their unique potential, our kids start to believe in themselves again.

Take the First Step—Even If It's a Small One

If you’re reading this, you’re already doing the most important thing: caring, paying attention, and being open to understanding your child better. Whether you decide to consult a specialist or begin by adjusting your home habits, know that you’re not alone. So many families face this journey—quietly, often unsure—but with love and the right tools, your child can thrive.

And remember: dyslexia doesn’t define your child. It’s one thread in the much larger fabric of who they are becoming.