How to Build a Family Reading Habit: The 5B's for a Book-Friendly Home 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!

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Engaging Reluctant Readers

How to Build a Family Reading Habit: The 5B's for a Book-Friendly Home

April 10, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 2

Does reading feel like another task on your family's to-do list? Between screens, busy schedules, and after-school activities, and packed schedules, books can easily take a backseat. But what if reading became a natural, enjoyable part of your family's daily routine—without battles or bribes?

In this Episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, host Ellen Westbrook introduces the 5B's framework—five simple strategic ways to make books visible, accessible, and irresistible to kids. Whether you're dealing with time constraints or screen competition, this episode will help you create a book-friendly home that invites reading at every turn.

You'll learn:

☑️ The 5B's Framework—Five key places to stash books that spark spontaneous reading

☑️ How to create a realistic family reading routine (yes, even with a busy schedule!)

☑️ How books can speak to your child's love language and build stronger connections

☑️ Tips for setting up a cozy book nook that your kids won't want to leave

By the end of this episode, you'll be read to make small, practical changes that lead to big reading wins for your whole family.

🔗Prefer to Read?📖: Check out the full blog post here!

📺 Prefer to Watch? Catch the video version here: https://youtu.be/QMgKutp-Dqc

⏳ Key Episode Highlights
[00:00:50] Why a family reading culture matters

[00:02:14] The Five Love Languages & Reading – Strengthening family bonds through books

[00:03:43] Creating a family reading routine

[00:04:50] Why book visibility is key

[00:06:40] The 5B’s Framework in action – Five strategic locations to place books in your home to create an irresistible invitation to read.

[00:13:02] Setting up a cozy book nook – Choosing the right location, lighting, and comfort to make reading a more enjoyable experience.

[00:15:23] The power of small changes – How small shifts in accessibility, routines, and reading spaces can completely change your child’s relationship with books.

[00:16:06] Sneak peek of next episode on picking the right books

✨ FREEBIE ALERT!

Want 164 fun, flexible, mix-and-match reading ideas?

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

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