What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Read Aloud

You hand your child a book expecting a cozy read-aloud moment… and instead, you get crossed arms, shut-down eyes, or a flat-out “Nope.” Sound familiar? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong.

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook walks you through what’s really going on when your child refuses to read aloud—and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence. From silly strategies to safe spaces, you’ll leave with tools that actually help (no battles required).

What You’ll Learn:

• Why reading aloud can feel so vulnerable for reluctant readers
• How to reframe home reading so it doesn’t feel like school
• Simple strategies to make reading aloud more approachable
• How to rebuild confidence through fun, familiarity, and safety
  
  
  

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

[00:01:00] What’s really behind “Nope, I’m not reading that”

[00:01:14] Why reading aloud often triggers fear—not defiance

[00:02:12] How to reframe reading aloud at home

[00:02:53] Fun ways to take the pressure off reading aloud

[00:04:04] Why stamina-building matters—and how to track it

[00:04:32] Reading aloud isn’t just about practice—it’s about connection

[00:05:01] Workshop coming soon to help you with back-to-school reading rhythms

[00:05:32] Sneak peek at next week's episode

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/08/15/when-your-child-refuses-to-read-aloud/ 

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/BKxFU2fDDIg

✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
 Grab your Reading Stamina Tracker Kit—a simple, confidence-boosting tool to help your child see their growth, one minute at a time.
 📥 Get it here → bit.ly/RSTrackerKit

😍 Looking for more strategies?

Download the Motivating Reluctant Readers Guide for even more practical, proven ways to make reading feel easier—and more enjoyable—for both you and your child.

📥 Get it here → https://bit.ly/MRR_GUIDE 

Share your thoughts!

🎧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:

Follow on Instagram

Follow the Facebook Page

Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)

Follow on Pinterest

Subscribe to the Engaging Reluctant Readers YouTube Channel

✨Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!