What is a Reluctant Reader? Signs, Struggles & How to Help Artwork

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.

Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.

As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.

You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.

Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.

Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

All Episodes

Engaging Reluctant Readers

What is a Reluctant Reader? Signs, Struggles & How to Help

April 10, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 1

Does your child avoid books, complain about reading, or act completely uninterested—no matter what you try? You may have a reluctant reader...but you're not alone, and there's plenty you can do to help.

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook (a former reluctant reader herself) breaks down:

☑️ What it really means to be a reluctant reader

☑️ The 3 most common types of reluctant readers: Struggling, Disinterested, & Distracted

☑️ Why your child might resist reading—even if they're capable of doing it

☑️ Practical, judgment-free strategies to help your child build reading confidence and curiosity

Whether your kid zones out during story time, claims books are "boring," or can't be pulled away from their tablet, this episode will give you fresh insight—and a place to start.

🔗Prefer to Read📖: You can check out the full blog post here!

📺 Prefer to Watch? Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/57TYUP3-vSk

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:01:29] What is a reluctant reader?
[00:02:50] The 3 most common types of reluctant readers
[00:05:04] The emotional side of reading struggles
[00:06:31] Actionable strategies for each type of reluctant reader
[00:08:23] Sneak peek of next episode: Creating an irresistible invitation to read at home

✨FREEBIE ALERT!

Want 164 fun, flexible, creative, mix-and-match ideas to inspire your child to read—on their terms!

👉Grab the Reading Bucket List Bundle: bit.ly/RBLBundle

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