5 tips for parents of a reluctant reader (from a kid's point of view)

Parents seem to really panic if their kid doesn't like reading, but there is no point getting stressed about it. So here are 5 ways to encourage a reluctant reader and be chill about it too.

1. Don't force them to read

No kid ever learned to love something they were forced to do. If you don't want reading to be a chore like eating broccoli or making your bed, then don't make it a big deal! Have loads of books available in the house or visit a library, but leave it up to your kid to decide when to read (although you might want to switch the wifi off every now and again to encourage them).

2. Don't be snobby about their choices

OK, not every kid wants to read Tolkein or some other massive book that you think is 'quality' fiction when a book full of fart jokes is much more fun. Reading is reading (and yes, that includes the Argos catalogue) and it is all good.

3. Find their interests

Kids are much more likely to pick up a book if it is about something they already love. If they love Marvel movies, then why not try one of the movie tie-in books? If they love history, then what about The Horrible Histories series? Again this might not fit into your category of 'quality' fiction, but there is plenty of time for them to catch up on the Top 100 Best Books Ever at a later date.

4. Comics are reading too!

Comics (or graphic novels if you want to be posh) are a great way to get kids to read. I've read all of the Asterix books and they are really funny. Nowadays, graphic novels are being made of lots of children's novels, like Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

5. Story time isn't just for babies

Kids still like being read to until they are quite old (even if they won't admit it). Reading a longer, more difficult book to your kid can get them interested in the story - if they really get in to it, maybe they will want to read ahead in their own time too.