As a third-grade teacher and a mom, I’ve heard this question more times than I can count. You’re busy. Your kids are busy. After a long day of school, sports, homework, and dinner, 30 more minutes of anything can feel like a lot. So when schools send home reading logs or ask for daily reading time, I know how tempting it is to let that slide off the priority list. But let me tell you—reading at home for just 20 minutes a day is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s future.
I want to share why that 20-minute habit matters so much, what it really looks like (hint: it doesn’t have to be quiet chapter-book time!), and how you can make it easier and more enjoyable for your family—without battles, bribes, or burnout.
Why Reading at Home Matters More Than You Think
Reading isn’t just another school subject—it’s the foundation of all learning. Think of it like this: if your child can read well, they can learn anything. Science, math, history, even how to code or build a rocket—they all depend on the ability to understand and process information. And yet, reading is also one of the easiest skills to neglect outside the classroom because it feels optional once school’s out.
But here’s what I want every parent to know:
Reading is like exercise for the brain. Just like muscles grow stronger with regular workouts, reading builds stronger connections in the brain. Kids who read regularly tend to have better focus, improved memory, stronger vocabulary, and deeper comprehension across all subjects.
Reading improves writing and communication. When kids read a wide variety of books, they absorb sentence structure, grammar, and storytelling techniques naturally. This leads to clearer writing and better oral communication—skills they’ll use their whole lives.
Reading builds empathy and emotional intelligence. Stories help kids see the world through someone else’s eyes. When children read about characters facing problems, making choices, and feeling emotions, they start to understand their own feelings and those of others more deeply.
And here’s a stat that always sticks with me: Kids who read 20–30 minutes a day score in the 90th percentile on standardized reading tests. Kids who read less than 5 minutes a day? They’re often in the lowest percentile. That’s a powerful difference created by a simple daily habit.
But Do They Really Have to Do It at Home?
Yes—and here’s why.
The reading your child does in class is valuable, but it’s just not enough on its own. In most elementary classrooms, reading time is shared with whole-group instruction, strategy lessons, and other subjects. Independent, uninterrupted reading time is limited.
Home is where kids can practice freely, follow their interests, and fall in love with books.
Think of it like learning to play the piano. A weekly lesson is important, but if your child never touches the keys between lessons, they won’t get better. Reading works the same way. Kids need daily practice to grow their reading “muscles”—and home is the perfect place for that to happen.
“My Kid Hates Reading. What Do I Do?”
If you’re reading this and feeling that mix of worry and frustration because your child just won’t seem to enjoy reading, I want you to know—you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there, and I’ve worked with so many families who felt exactly the same way. It can feel really discouraging, like maybe something’s wrong or your child just isn’t “a reader.” But here’s the truth: that’s almost never the case.
Most of the time, when kids push back against reading, it’s not about their intelligence or ability. It usually comes down to a few things that we can fix or change. Maybe they haven’t found that one book that grabs their attention and makes them want to keep turning pages. Or maybe reading just feels hard for them right now, and when something is a struggle, it’s hard to enjoy it. And sometimes, reading feels like just another thing on their to-do list—not something they get to choose or get excited about.
I know how stressful that can be as a parent, but hang in there. Understanding why your child is resisting reading is the first step to helping them find the joy in it again. You’re not alone in this, and there’s hope.
1. The Right Book Makes All the Difference
Sometimes, what kids really need is permission to read whatever they love—no matter what it looks like to us. Maybe that’s graphic novels, joke books, sports biographies, animal facts, cookbooks, or even Pokémon cards. It all counts! If your kid lights up reading a Minecraft guide or a Dog Man comic, let them dive in. When reading feels fun, that’s when their stamina and confidence start to build naturally.
That said, the “just right” book is one that challenges them just enough to grow, but not so much that they get frustrated. If they’re stumbling over every other word, it’s totally fine to step back to something a little easier for a while. Confidence first, skill-building next.
2. Struggling Readers Need Support, Not Shame
If your child shies away from reading or gets frustrated because it’s tricky, they probably need some extra help—and that’s okay! It’s way more common than you might think. You can support them by reading together—taking turns on pages, or trying audiobooks they can listen to while following along with the print. The most important thing is to keep reading positive and encouraging.
I always tell families: reading should never feel like a punishment or a chore. It should be an adventure, a cozy break, or something your child looks forward to—not something they dread.
3. Chores vs. Choices
When reading feels like just another item on a to-do list, it loses its sparkle. Instead of saying, “You have to read for 30 minutes,” try asking, “Which book do you want to start tonight?” or “Want to curl up and read together for a bit?” Giving kids a choice about what to read—and where to read it—helps them feel in control. When they have ownership over their reading time, they’re way more likely to stick with it and actually enjoy it.
What Counts as Reading?
This is one of my favorite things to talk about because so many people think reading has to look a certain way—like sitting quietly with a novel. But the truth is, reading comes in all shapes and sizes, and what really matters is that kids are engaged and practicing in ways that feel meaningful to them.
For example, reading independently is the classic way, and of course that counts! But don’t underestimate the power of reading aloud—to a sibling, a pet, or even just an adult in the room. It’s a great way to practice fluency and build confidence, and it makes reading feel more like a shared experience.
Listening to audiobooks while following along in the print version is another fantastic way to build skills, especially for kids who get overwhelmed by decoding tricky words on their own. It helps them hear how sentences flow and can make tough texts feel more accessible.
Buddy reading, where kids take turns reading with a parent or older sibling, is not only helpful for practicing but also a sweet way to connect over books. It takes some pressure off and turns reading time into a fun, interactive activity.
And let’s not forget the books that don’t look like traditional novels—comics, graphic novels, magazines, and even joke books count! These formats often pull in reluctant readers because they’re engaging and easy to dive into.
Re-reading a favorite book is totally valuable, too. Sometimes kids find comfort in going back to a story they love, and rereading helps build fluency and comprehension.
Reading doesn’t have to stop at books, either. When kids read recipes or instructions while cooking, or read lyrics to their favorite songs, they’re still practicing important reading skills in real life.
The big goal here isn’t perfection or checking off a certain type of reading—it’s engagement, enjoyment, and regular practice. When kids see that reading can happen in lots of ways, they’re more likely to stick with it and grow as readers.
Simple Tips to Make Reading at Home Work
As a teacher—and a parent—I totally get how evenings can feel like a whirlwind of activity. Finding time for reading can seem impossible some days. But with a few simple ideas, you can make reading a natural, enjoyable part of your family’s routine, even when things are hectic.
One of the best things you can do is tie reading to something you already do every day. Maybe it’s right after brushing teeth or during bedtime snuggles. When reading becomes part of a regular rhythm, it feels less like a task and more like a cozy habit.
Setting a timer together can also work wonders. Kids love seeing the clock tick down—it gives them a clear goal, and they feel proud when they finish their reading time.
If you spend a lot of time driving, try turning that time into story time by playing audiobooks in the car. It’s an easy way to sneak in more reading without adding pressure.
Creating a special reading spot at home—like a blanket fort, a comfy beanbag, or even just a favorite chair—can turn reading into a little event your child looks forward to. Making the environment inviting helps reading feel fun and relaxing.
And here’s a big one: let your kids read what they love. There’s no need for book snobbery here. Graphic novels, joke books, catalogs—if it gets them reading, it counts. When kids have choice, they’re way more likely to stick with it.
You might also want to try a reading challenge at home—a simple chart or sticker tracker can turn reading into a game and add some extra motivation.
Don’t forget to be a reading role model yourself! When kids see you enjoying books or magazines, it sends a powerful message that reading is fun for all ages.
Visiting the library regularly can bring fresh excitement, too. New books can spark curiosity and give your child something new to explore.
For reluctant readers, some apps like Epic or Libby have tons of kid-friendly titles that make reading accessible and engaging through technology.
Most importantly, celebrate the effort your child puts into reading—even on the tough days. Praising their commitment and progress makes a huge difference in keeping them motivated.
When I ask my students how often they read at home, the answers can be all over the place. Some say every single night, while others say hardly ever. But here’s what I notice: the kids who do read regularly don’t just get better at reading—they grow in confidence, curiosity, and creativity too.
As a mom, I know some days reading feels like just one more thing on the to-do list. You’re tired. They’re tired. And the idea of pulling out a book might feel like too much. That’s completely okay. You don’t have to be perfect. The goal isn’t to read every single day without fail; it’s about being consistent over time, creating moments of connection, and showing your child that reading is something worthwhile and enjoyable.
Every minute you spend reading together is a little investment in your child’s future. It helps build vocabulary, empathy, focus, and imagination. But maybe even more important—it creates memories and a special bond between you.
So when you find yourself wondering, “Do they really need to read for 30 minutes a day?”—the answer is yes. But how you get there can be flexible, fun, and absolutely doable for your family.
You’ve got this. And I’m here to help whenever you need.
Want some free printables to make reading at home easier?
Download my free Reading Challenge Tracker and What Counts as Reading? parent guide right here.
Let’s make reading together something your family looks forward to—one book, one day, and one chapter at a time.
