“Reading is boring.” Few sentences make a book-loving parent sink faster. I think about it a lot, because one day my daughter might say it, and I'd like to know what to say back.
What it usually means
When a child says reading is boring, they rarely mean reading. They mean:
- This book is boring
- This is too hard and I don't want to say so
- I'd rather be doing the other thing
- I've only ever read things I didn't choose
Each of those has a different answer. None of them is a lecture about why reading matters.
What not to say
“But reading is so important.” They know. It doesn't help.
“When I was your age I loved books.” This makes reading about you.
“You just haven't tried hard enough.” This makes reading a judgement.
Nobody ever fell in love with reading because someone told them it was important.
What to try instead
- Agree with them about the book. “Yes, this one is a bit slow.” Then find another
- Ask what isn't boring: a film, a game, a joke, a YouTube channel. Find a book with that feeling
- Read the first chapter aloud, with voices, and stop at the exciting bit
- Try a different shape of book: comics, joke books, short chapters, lots of pictures
- Let them read about something they're already obsessed with, at any level
Boredom can be useful too
A child who is a little bored, with no screen in reach, will often pick up a book on their own. You don't have to entertain every quiet moment. Sometimes the best thing you can do is leave a good book nearby and walk away.
For younger children: 7 Books That Keep 5-Year-Olds Interested
Why Some Children Love Books and Others Avoid Them
Next time you hear “reading is boring”, answer with a question: “What's the least boring story you know?” Then go looking together.
I read, I choose, and I write about the books that stay with me. I also write The Keeper Chronicles.
Raising readers, one week at a time.
Once a week: a short personal note, one article about reading or family life, one practical idea to try, and a question you can answer just by replying. One email a week, never a sales pitch.
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