My Child Doesn’t Enjoy Reading: Fun Learning Alternatives Every Parent Should Know

When Reading Feels Like a Chore

You’ve tried everything—the cozy reading corner, the reward charts, the after-dinner story times. Still, your child turns away from books with a wrinkled nose or fidgets five minutes in, already plotting their next escape. If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.

Many children between the ages of 6 and 12 hit roadblocks when it comes to reading. And while some might simply struggle with decoding words or comprehension, others may associate reading with performance pressure or even boredom. But here’s the heartening truth: fostering your child’s love of learning doesn’t have to depend on books alone.

Why Reading Isn't the Only Path to Learning

First, let’s take a deep breath and step away from the idea that reading is the only gateway to knowledge. Literacy is important—crucial, even—but learning can take many shapes, some of which may better fit your child’s temperament, interests, or needs. Some children are kinetic learners who grasp concepts when they're moving, building, or acting things out. Others might be visual or auditory learners who light up when they hear stories or see information come to life through images or movement.

So, what can you do when books just aren’t cutting it?

Turning Stories Into Experiences

One mother told me about her son, Marc, who flat-out refused to read his history textbook. Every time she opened the book, he would groan and slide further down the couch. But when they watched a short animated documentary about World War II—complete with characters, music, and dramatization—he perked up and started asking questions. Suddenly, history clicked.

That’s the power of storytelling through alternative media—comics, audiobooks, or even personalized audio adventures. In fact, some apps now let you turn your child’s own school lesson into an immersive story where they are the hero, complete with their first name woven into the narrative. One such resource includes this feature in a fun and engaging way, so even reluctant readers can absorb lessons through play.

Audio Learning During Everyday Moments

If your child struggles to sit and read, try bringing learning into their ears instead. Convert written content into audio and let them listen while drawing, riding in the car, or even brushing their teeth. This method not only works around reading fatigue but also helps auditory learners stay engaged with school material.

You can also explore educational podcasts or songs tailored for children’s learning levels. Whether it’s multiplication tables rapped over a beat or a bedtime science story, the medium really does shape the experience.

Play-Based Learning: More Than Just Fun

Another route to explore is learning through play. Games are an underestimated vehicle for knowledge and can be an anchor for children who struggle with traditional methods. Role-playing games, card-based quizzes, collaborative board games—you name it.

For example, if your child doesn't want to read about animals, you could play a guessing game where you give clues about a habitat or behavior. Want some structure? Check out our guide on fun, educational activities for primary school kids. These ideas make learning feel like play, not work.

Game-based learning even works wonderfully as a family activity. A recent favorite in our community is trivia night with personalized questions based on what your child is currently learning in school. If you're curious about how to build these playful review opportunities, you might find our article on reviewing lessons while having fun especially useful.

When Screens Can Support Learning Wisely

It’s tempting to toss all screens out the window when reading becomes a struggle, but with careful curation, screens can actually help. The key lies in interactivity and personalization. There are educational apps that allow kids to turn a snapshot of their actual school lesson into a customized multiple-choice quiz. Instead of reading paragraph after paragraph, your child can engage with the content in game form.

This method works well for children who need short bursts of attention, immediate feedback, or enjoy a sense of competition (even if it’s only against themselves). If you're looking for more ideas like this, explore our list of top educational games to play as a family.

Curiosity: The Real Goal

Ultimately, our goal isn’t to force our children to love books, but to help them fall in love with learning itself. Once that flame is lit, reading may follow naturally—or it might not, and that’s okay too. We want curious, engaged, and confident learners, regardless of the medium.

One beautiful way to spark curiosity is by letting your child take the lead. Ask them what they’re interested in—even if it’s video game characters or dinosaurs—and build learning experiences around that. We explore more about this student-led exploration in our article on sparking your child’s curiosity with smart games.

What Matters Most

If your child doesn’t like to read, it doesn’t mean they’re behind. It doesn’t mean they’re unmotivated. It simply means they may need a different door into the world of learning. Whether that’s through audio, play, or interactive tools, we as parents can offer those doors without shame or stress.

In time, many children find their way back to books once the pressure is off—and when they do, it’s on their own terms, with joy.

Until then, know this: there are so many valid ways to nourish a child’s mind. You’re already doing the most important one—you’re showing up, paying attention, and adapting. And that makes all the difference.