Creating a Confident Reader: Tips for Parents

3 October 2025

Raising a confident reader isn’t about pushing phonics or memorizing sight words until they stick like glue—it’s about creating a world where reading feels safe, fun, and exciting. Whether your child is just starting to learn their ABCs or they’re already diving into chapter books, building reading confidence can take time, patience, and a sprinkle of creativity.

In this article, let’s pull back the curtain on what actually works when it comes to nurturing a confident young reader. We'll keep it real, warm, and simple—just like a chat over coffee with a friend who's been there.

Why Reading Confidence Matters

Let’s be honest: confidence is the secret sauce for almost everything in life. When kids feel confident reading, they’re more likely to love books, tackle new words, and keep trying—even when it gets tricky. Reading isn’t just about decoding letters; it’s a skill tied deeply to self-worth, imagination, and future learning success.

Think of confidence like a muscle. You’ve got to work it, stretch it, and yes, sometimes rest it. And you, as a parent, are the coach in their corner.

1. Start Early — But Keep it Light

We hear this a lot: "Read to your kids early!" And yes, it matters. But let’s not turn it into a chore.

Reading to your toddler doesn’t mean reading Shakespeare from a rocking chair while they sit perfectly still. Reading can be silly, interactive, and even chaotic. Point out pictures. Make funny voices. Let your child turn the pages. Even if it feels like they’re just sitting in your lap chewing the book cover, trust me—something magical is happening.

Tip: Board books, books with textures, and rhythmic stories (like Dr. Seuss) are great choices for young kids. The rhythm and repetition help words stick.

2. Make Reading Part of the Routine

Kids thrive on routines—and reading deserves a consistent spot. Bedtime story? Yes, please. But don’t stop there. Bring books into snack time, car rides, waiting rooms—anywhere you can.

Remember, even 10 minutes of reading a day adds up. Over the course of a year, that’s 60 hours!

Bonus Tip: Keep a "book basket" in different rooms. Rotate the books regularly to keep them fresh and exciting.

3. Let Them Pick the Books

Want your child to love reading? Give them the reins. Kids are way more likely to engage with books they choose themselves—even if they’re about farting dinosaurs or sparkly unicorn cupcakes.

You might cringe at the titles they go for, but that freedom builds independence. They begin to see reading as something they own—not something they have to do.

Don’t worry if they’re not always picking the most “literary” works. What matters is that they’re reading. The rest will come.

4. Read Aloud—Even When They Can Read on Their Own

This one surprises some parents: Keep reading aloud to your child long after they learn to read. Why?

Because listening to you read helps build vocabulary, introduces story structure, and models fluent reading. It's like offering them a guided tour through the pages.

Plus, it’s bonding. There’s something special about curling up and sharing a story. No screens, no noise—just the words and your voices.

5. Encourage Questions and Conversations

You know that stream of “why?” questions kids ask all day? Embrace it during reading time.

If your child asks, “Why did that character do that?”—pause to explore it. Or toss the question back: “Hmm… what do you think?”

Engaging with the story deepens comprehension. It also gives them permission to think critically, which builds both their reading skills and their confidence.

Example Starter Questions:

- Why do you think that happened?
- What would you do if you were in their shoes?
- How does this part make you feel?

6. Celebrate Every Milestone (Big or Small)

Finished a book? Learned a new tricky word? Read a whole chapter without stopping? Celebrate it!

You don’t need a party or balloons. A simple, "Wow, I’m really proud of you," goes a long way. Your encouragement helps shape the voice inside their heads—the one that tells them they’re capable.

Remember, confidence isn’t built in big leaps; it grows in tiny steps.

7. Avoid Over-Correcting

This one’s tough.

When your child stumbles on a word, your instinct might be to jump in and fix it. But try to take a breath and hold back sometimes. Let them struggle a little.

Here’s why: Confidence grows when kids realize they can figure things out. If you swoop in too soon, they miss out on that little win.

Pro Tip: Instead of saying “No, that’s wrong,” try saying, “Hmm, does that look right?” or “Let’s look at that word again together.”

8. Create a Cozy Reading Environment

Would you want to read in a cold, boring corner with fluorescent lighting? Probably not. The right environment actually makes a difference.

Set up a cozy reading nook—some pillows, a soft blanket, good lighting, and a stash of their favorite books. Let it be their little reading hideaway.

Better yet, read with them in it. That cozy, safe feeling gets attached to the reading experience.

9. Be a Reading Role Model

This one’s simple but powerful.

Let your child see you read.

Pick up a book. Flip through a magazine. Talk about what you’re reading. When kids see that reading is a “normal” and even fun part of grown-up life, they’re more likely to value it themselves.

You don’t have to pretend to be a bookworm if you’re not—just show that reading matters to you.

10. Make Reading Interactive

Reading doesn’t have to be just sitting and staring at a book. Mix it up!

- Act out a scene from a story
- Draw pictures of what happened in the book
- Write your own silly endings
- Create a mini puppet show

These activities help kids engage more deeply and remember what they’ve read. Plus, it makes the experience more playful—which can really help reluctant readers.

11. Use Technology Wisely

Let’s face it—kids love screens. And while too much screen time isn’t ideal, there are ways to use tech to build reading skills.

Audiobooks, reading apps, and eBooks with interactive features can support learning (especially for struggling readers). Just make sure tech is used to supplement, not replace, real reading time.

Great Apps Worth Checking Out:

- Epic!
- Libby (for library books)
- Starfall
- Audible for Kids

Remember, even listening to stories builds vocabulary, imagination, and confidence.

12. Recognize That Every Reader is Different

Some kids are reading chapter books at 5. Others are still mastering basic phonics at 7. And guess what? Both are totally normal.

Kids develop at their own pace. The worst thing we can do is compare or push too hard. Instead, focus on progress—not perfection.

Every child has their own reading journey. Walk beside them, not ahead of them.

13. Tackle Reading Challenges With Empathy

If reading is becoming a battle, it may signal a deeper issue—perhaps a learning difficulty like dyslexia or a simple gap in confidence.

First things first: Stay calm. Don’t panic or shame your child.

Reach out to a teacher, reading specialist, or pediatrician for guidance. The earlier you get support, the better.

And remind your child that struggling with reading doesn’t mean they’re not smart. It means they learn differently—and that’s okay.

14. Keep It Fun—Always

At the end of the day, the goal is simple: Help your child love reading. If reading time becomes a battlefield, it’s probably time to shift gears.

Take breaks. Laugh a lot. Pick silly stories. Be goofy with voices.

Because when kids enjoy reading, they’ll do it more. And the more they read, the more confident they’ll become.

It’s a beautiful snowball effect.

Final Thoughts

Creating a confident reader isn’t about being the perfect parent, or having a home library that rivals the public one. It’s about being present. It’s about showing up, every day, to support, encourage, and celebrate the tiny victories.

So, whether your child is just beginning to sound out words or they’re diving into epic adventures on their own, keep cheering them on.

Every page turned, every new word, every giggle at a silly story—it’s all part of the journey.

And you, dear parent, are their most important guide.