Reading Homework Battles: What to Do When Your Child Avoids Reading (Especially if They Struggle or Have Dyslexia)

The Real Reason Kids Avoid Reading

Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 children in the early grades experience significant stress when faced with reading tasks. For many struggling readers, homework isn’t just about words on a page—it’s a daily reminder of where they feel behind. This frustration often looks like tears, avoidance, or claims of being “too tired.” But here’s the key: frustration is not laziness. It’s a signal your child needs support, encouragement, and tools matched to their level. With the right approach, reading time can become a more positive, productive routine.

Understanding the Root of the Frustration

When your child resists or cries at the mention of reading homework, it isn’t laziness—it’s the weight of identifying as a “poor reader.” To your child, being asked to read can feel like climbing a snowy mountain in sandals: overwhelming, exhausting, and impossible.

Children also notice when peers can do what they cannot. Struggles in reading often spill over into writing, math, and other subjects, making school discouraging overall. Over time, this builds shame and anxiety. For children with learning differences like dyslexia, these feelings may be even stronger.

First Steps Parents Can Take

The best place to start is with confidence building:

• Celebrate small wins. Even the tiniest progress matters.
  
  
• Match books to their level. A third grader reading first-grade books is okay—they’re practicing where they can succeed.
  
  
• Encourage easy reading. Rereading familiar texts builds fluency and frees up brain power for harder words later.
  
  
• Read aloud together. Shared reading keeps books joyful, builds vocabulary, and expands background knowledge.
  
  

💡 Want more strategies for helping your struggling reader?
I created the 5-Day Kickstart to Reading Success to give parents simple, research-backed steps to build confidence and spark joy in reading. Click here to grab your free copy and start making reading time less stressful tonight.

Mistakes Parents Accidentally Make

Even with the best intentions, parents sometimes make choices that increase frustration:

• Assuming resistance equals laziness. The truth: the task feels impossibly hard, which drains motivation.
  
  
• Expecting independence with too-difficult homework. If homework is above their level, pushing independence often leads to meltdowns, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
  
  
  

Creating Positive Reading Routines

You can transform reading homework into a calmer, more positive experience:

• Make it cozy: bean bag chairs, a blanket fort, or snuggling on the couch.
  
  
• Allow comforts: a stuffed animal, favorite blanket, or a snack.
  
  
• Take turns reading aloud—keep it light and collaborative.
  
  
• Choose easy books they can succeed with.
  
  
• Offer specific praise for effort and progress.
  
  
• Keep distractions away—make reading a special bonding time.
  
  

Turning Homework Battles into Wins

Every child learns at their own pace. If your child is frustrated and anxious about reading, you can make a difference. With patience, the right supports, and positive routines, reading can shift from a battle into a time of growth and connection.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your struggling reader dreads homework, remember—you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I created the 5-Day Kickstart to Reading Success to give parents simple, research-backed strategies that build confidence and spark joy in reading. Click here to grab your free copy and start turning homework time into a positive routine.