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!
Episodes
28 episodes
Creating a Home Where Kids See Themselves as Readers
When your child says, “I’m just not a reader,” it’s easy to worry that you’ve missed something. But what if the real issue isn’t skill—it’s self-story? In this episode, Ellen explores how your home environment, rhythms, and even the wo...
How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles)
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “Just one more page and then you can…”—you’re not alone. When reading turns into a negotiation, rewards can feel like the only way forward. But what if motivation could grow naturally—without stic...
Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love
When you think “reading nook,” do you picture twinkle lights, teepees, and shelves full of brand-new books? The truth is, cozy reading spaces don’t have to be elaborate—or expensive. In fact, some of the best book nooks are the simplest ones, c...
Messy, Fun, and Memorable: The Real Secret to Family Reading Nights
Does the idea of a cozy family reading night sound wonderful in theory—but totally impossible in your real life? Between sports practices, dishes, and bedtime meltdowns, it can feel like there’s no way to add one more thing. But family reading ...
Library Visits Without the Chaos: How to Make Them Work for Your Family
If your last library trip ended in chaos—or you’ve been avoiding going at all—you’re not alone. Maybe your kids melted down before you made it past the first shelf, maybe you left with a random pile of books no one read, or maybe you can’t even...
Back-to-School Chaos: Why Reading Feels Harder Right Now
Back-to-school season brings new routines, earlier mornings, and after-school exhaustion—and for many families, reading is the first thing to fall apart. If your child is suddenly resisting or your once-steady reading time feels impossible, you...
How to Talk to Your Child's Teacher About Reading (Without Feeling Pushy)
You’ve noticed something about your child’s reading, but the thought of bringing it up with their teacher makes you hesitate. What if I sound pushy? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I’m overreacting?In this episode of the ...
The Secret to Raising a Reader: Why Confidence Matters More Than Skills
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 Re...
11 Common Reading Mistakes Parents Make (and What to Do Instead)
You want to encourage reading—but somehow, things keep backfiring. Maybe incentives don’t work, reading time ends in frustration, or you're not sure how much to step in. Sound familiar?In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Reader...
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 Engag...
How to Set Reading Goals That Actually Stick
You’ve hit reset on your summer reading expectations—now what? If you’re wondering how to turn that fresh start into real momentum without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you.In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant R...
Mid-Summer Reading Slump? Try This Gentle Reset
Is your once-promising summer reading routine unraveling fast? You’re not alone. By mid-summer, even the most enthusiastic readers can lose steam—and that’s okay.In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen W...
Books vs. Movies? The Surprising Way to Hook Your Reluctant Reader
Struggling to pull your child away from screens and into books? You’re not alone. With video games, YouTube, and digital distractions everywhere, reading can feel like a losing battle. But good news—you don’t have to choose between screens and ...
Binge-Worthy Book Series Your Reluctant Reader Will Love
Tired of hunting down the “perfect” book only for your child to lose interest after chapter one? You’re not alone. When reading feels like a chore—for both you and your child—it’s easy to get stuck in a frustrating loop. But here’s the good new...
Tech-Loving Kid? How to Spark a Love of Reading Without Fighting Screens
Struggling to pull your child away from screens and into books? You’re not alone. With video games, YouTube, and digital distractions everywhere, reading can feel like a losing battle. But good news—you don’t have to choose between screens and ...
From 'I Hate Reading' to 'Just One More Chapter'–My Journey as a Reluctant Reader
Ever wonder if your reluctant reader will ever enjoy books? I get it—because I used to be that kid. In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey from loving picture books to avoiding reading at all costs… and what finally brough...
No More "I Hate Reading!"—Fun, Easy Ways to Bring Books to Life for Kids
Does your child resist reading—or claim it’s just plain boring? You’re not alone. Many kids see books as “work” instead of play—but the magic of storytelling isn’t lost… it just needs a little boost!In this episode of the Engaging Rel...
How to Build Your Child's Reading Stamina (Without the Battles!)
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 buil...
Why Reading Aloud Still Matters—Even After Kids Can Read Themselves
Is your child starting to lose interest in reading? If they push back when it’s time to pick up a book—even after they’ve learned to read on their own—you’re not alone. Many parents stop reading aloud once kids become independent readers, but t...
Avoid the 4th Grade Reading Slump: How to Keep Your Child on Track from K-4 (Part 2)
Reading gets real in elementary school. Around 3rd or 4th grade, many kids shift from learning to read to reading to learn—but not every child makes that transition smoothly. This stage is where confidence can soar… or where f...
.png)
Early Literacy Made Easy: How to Support Pre-Readers from Birth to Preschool (Part 1)
Did you know your child starts developing reading skills long before they open their first book? From birth to preschool, kids are absorbing language, rhythm, and vocabulary—laying the foundation for a lifetime of reading success. But ...
How Busy Moms Can Find Time to Read: No Guilt Tips for Reclaiming Your Reading Life
Feel like reading is a luxury you don’t have time for? Between parenting, work, and a never-ending to-do list, curling up with a book can feel impossible. But what if reading didn’t have to be one more thing on your plate—and instead became a s...
Keep Kids Reading Over School Breaks: Low Pressure Tips for Busy Families
Does your child’s reading routine fall apart over school breaks? Whether it’s summer vacation, winter break, or long weekends, keeping kids engaged with books can be tough—but it doesn’t have to feel like homework!In this episode of the ...
Book Rotation Tips: How to Keep Kids Excited About Reading Without Buying More Books
Are your child’s books collecting dust? Do they insist there’s “nothing to read” even though your shelves are full? You’re not alone—and the solution doesn’t mean buying more books! With a simple book rotation system, you can make your home lib...
Finding the "Just-Right" Book: How to Match Kids with Books They'll Love
Struggling to find a book your child actually wants to read? You're definitely not alone! Many parents face resistance when suggesting books—and picking the wrong one can turn reading into a chore. But the right book? It can spark curi...
