How to Build Your Child's Reading Stamina (Without the Battles!) 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

How to Build Your Child's Reading Stamina (Without the Battles!)

June 05, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 9

Does your child fidget, rush through books, or lose focus after just a few pages? You're not alone—and no, your child isn’t lazy or “bad at reading.” The real challenge may be reading stamina—and the good news? It’s a skill they can build!

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure strategies to help kids stay engaged with books longer—without battles, bribes, or burnout. From choosing the right books to using tools like tag-team reading and timed sprints, you’ll discover how to make reading feel doable and even fun again.

What You’ll Learn:
✔️ What reading stamina is—and why it matters for lifelong learning
✔️ How to spot signs your child is struggling to stay focused
✔️ Simple strategies like tag-team reading and sprints to boost endurance
✔️ Why the right book (hello, cliffhangers!) makes a big difference
✔️ How to use e-books, audiobooks, and apps like Epic! to support stamina

⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

[00:01:16] What reading stamina is—and how it grows like a muscle

[00:02:10] Why stamina is essential for school and life

[00:02:58] Red flags your child might need more stamina support

[00:04:09] Tag-team reading to share the load

[00:05:01] Reading sprints to boost focus over time

[00:06:25] Why book choice matters (even if it’s Dog Man—again)

[00:07:15] Short chapters and cliffhangers = stamina superstars

[00:08:11] When to push, and when to pause

[00:08:49] Tech tools that support reading without pressure

[00:13:24] Celebrate effort, not just page count

[00:14:30] Shared reading, sibling influence, and modeling

[00:16:32] Sneak peek: Making reading feel like play (coming next episode)

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/06/23/reading-stamina-strategies/

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/rtUV59YurJ4

✨ FREEBIE ALERT!

Grab your Reading Stamina Tracker Kit—three fun, printable tools to help your child build reading endurance without the battles.

👉 Get it here → https://bit.ly/RSTrackerKit

Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle with 164 creative reading ideas!
📥 Get it here → https://bit.ly/RBLBundle

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