When your child sighs, groans, or says, “I hate reading”—it hits deep. It’s not just about the book in front of them—it’s about what they’re starting to believe about themselves as a reader.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to help your child build confidence with reading—even when it feels like a struggle right now. You’ll learn how reader identity forms, why labels (even positive ones) can backfire, and the simple shifts that help kids start to see themselves as capable, growing readers.
What You’ll Learn:
☑️ Why reading confidence starts before skills are “mastered”
☑️ How small wins build momentum and motivation
☑️ Why labels (good or bad) can hurt more than help
☑️ Practical ways to invite reading—without pressure
☑️ How to make progress visible so kids believe in themselves
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:00:25] When your child says “I hate reading”—what’s really going on
[00:01:14] How reader identity forms long before fluency
[00:02:14] A real-life example of building confidence through space and support
[00:03:03] Why book choice (even “easy” books) matters
[00:04:29] Simple, low-pressure feedback that builds belief
[00:05:38] Why labels can backfire—and what to say instead
[00:06:01] Invite, don’t assign: fun, playful ways approach reading and grow confidence
[00:08:08] The one mindset shift that makes all the difference
[00:09:28] Sneak peek: next week’s episode on talking to teachers
[00:09:56] Upcoming Reset & Read Workshop
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/08/28/build-reading-confidence-kids/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/keO5Wh7x26Y
✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
Grab your Reading Stamina Tracker Kit—a kid-friendly tool to help your child see their progress and feel proud of their reading growth.
📥 Get it here → https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/reading-stamina-tracker-kit
🎟️ Reset & Read is now available as a replay!
If reading still feels hard even after school has started, this workshop will walk you through how to rebuild your reading rhythm—without the stress.
🎟️ Grab the replay here → https://bit.ly/resetandread
Grab your Motivating Reluctant Readers Guide today --> https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/mrrguide
🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!
It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
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✨ Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
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