5 simple Reading Tips for parents
Follow along for more reading tips from this reading specialist mama on Insta @the_literacylady
Every parent wants to help their child succeed in reading, but with so much advice out there, it can be hard to know where to start. If you're searching for reading tips for parents that actually work—without requiring hours of extra effort—you’re in the right place!
Hey there, friend! I’m Katie, a literacy specialist, former classroom teacher, and the founder of The Literacy Camp. Over the past 18 years, I’ve worked with thousands of families to help children become confident, capable readers. Parents always ask me for the best reading tips for parents to use at home, and I love sharing simple strategies that make a real difference.
As a mom, I get how busy life can be. Between school, sports, and all the other daily chaos, finding time for reading might feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news—you don’t need complicated programs or expensive tools. Just a few small shifts in your daily routine can boost your child’s reading skills and build their love for books!
So if you’ve been wondering:
How do I help my child enjoy reading?
What are the best reading tips for parents at home?
How can I make reading easier for my child?
I've got you covered! I’m sharing five simple, research-backed parent reading tips that will help your child grow as a reader—without stress.
5 Simple Reading Tips for Parents
1. Read Aloud Every Day (Even for Just 5 Minutes!)
Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to build your child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and love for books. It exposes them to words they wouldn’t hear in everyday conversation and models fluent reading.
💡 Tip: Let them choose the book! Giving kids ownership over what they read boosts motivation.
2. Make Reading Interactive
Ask questions, make predictions, and connect stories to your child’s experiences. Interactive reading helps kids think critically and engage with the text.
💡 Try this: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Does this character remind you of anyone?”
3. Create a Print-Rich Environment
The more kids see words around them, the more they’ll develop literacy skills naturally. Fill your home with books, magazines, and even labeled household items.
💡 Idea: Keep a basket of books in the car or at the breakfast table for easy access!
4. Encourage Writing Alongside Reading
Reading and writing go hand in hand! Have your child write shopping lists, letters to family members, or even their own mini stories. This strengthens their literacy skills while making it fun.
💡 Fun idea: Start a “family journal” where everyone writes or doodles something each day!
5. Make Reading a Positive, Pressure-Free Experience
If reading feels like a chore, kids will resist. Keep it fun! Use silly voices, act out parts of the story, or let them read to a stuffed animal or pet.
True story, my child reads to the neighbor’s pet. Now I may be SUPER lucky because we happen to have the sweetest retired neighbors with a trained therapy dog that they let outside to play with my kids every day after school (I know, I know….I could not make that up!). But here’s the point. Let them read to whoever makes them feel loved and special - and honestly, it often works both ways.
Our neighbors dog LOVES being snuggled while my kids read to her. Grandma would likely LOVE to be snuggled while the kids read to her. The younger sibling would probably adore being read to by the older one. Just get them reading and keep it positive.
💡 Important: Avoid forcing reading time. Instead, create cozy, inviting moments to read together!
Something Exciting is Coming Soon!
I know how much parents want practical, stress-free reading tips that actually work—and I’ve been working on something special just for you! Imagine having simple, research-backed strategies at your fingertips, broken down into easy-to-follow steps, with resources you can start using right away.
It’s designed to take the guesswork out of helping your child become a confident, joyful reader—and I can’t wait to share it with you soon!
✨ Stay tuned—more details are coming soon! ✨
And in the meantime, come hang out with me on Facebook and Instagram! I’m always sharing quick & easy reading tips for parents of preschoolers, kindergarteners, and beyond!
Want More Support now? Grab My Free Guide!
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle busy family life while trying to encourage a love of reading at home. That’s why I created a simple, step-by-step guide just for parents like you that you can go ahead and grab free now.
✨ Download my FREE guide: 9 Steps to Calm the Chaos and Build a Love of Learning in Your Home! ✨
Inside, you’ll get:
✅ Simple, practical strategies to make learning feel natural and fun
✅ Easy ways to encourage reading without battles or frustration
✅ Quick tips for creating a home environment that inspires learning
And if you’re in Michigan…Sign up for The Literacy Camp!
Here’s the thing. I know you can do an amazing job supporting your child with reading on your own. But also, you don’t have to! I’d much rather have support in the things I care most about.
Example? I want my kids to be great swimmers. Hi - anxious mom here that wants them to be EXTRA SAFE around water. And of course we practice swimming and water safety together. BUT. I sign these babies up for swim lessons, too! Because it takes a village. And it helps one thing I’m doing as a parent feel a little more supported.
I want to help you get that feeling too, my friends. At The Literacy Camp ®, my phenomenal staff of educators will support your child as they continue to build not only literacy skills but a LOVE of learning!
Sign up for Literacy Camp for your child HERE. 🎉
Praying for you & Cheering you on!
