"My Child Is Struggling to Read. I Don't Even Know Where to Start."

Watching your child struggle with reading can be heartbreaking.

You may notice they avoid books, become frustrated during homework, or tell you they "hate reading." Maybe they're reading the words but can't explain what they just read. Maybe they lose confidence every time they compare themselves to classmates or siblings.

If you've ever wondered, "What am I supposed to do now?" you're not alone.

The good news is that struggling with reading doesn't mean a child can't become a successful reader.

One of the biggest mistakes adults make is focusing only on what a child can't do. But real progress starts by understanding what they can do first.

Every reader has strengths. Every reader also has areas where they need support.

Some children need help figuring out unfamiliar words. Others need support making sense of what they've read. Some simply need books that match their interests and current reading abilities so they can experience success.

The most important thing you can do isn't to push harder—it's to become curious.

Ask questions about the story. Listen to your child's thinking. Celebrate effort, not just correctness. Read together when possible. Most importantly, remember that growth happens one step at a time.

Reading isn't a race.

Children build confidence when they experience success, and confidence often leads to greater motivation, stronger habits, and a willingness to keep trying.

If your child is struggling today, know that today's challenges do not define tomorrow's possibilities. With patience, thoughtful support, and instruction that meets them where they are, readers can grow in remarkable ways.

Sometimes the first step isn't finding a harder book or spending more time practicing. 

Sometimes it's simply understanding the learner sitting in front of you—

-------and helping them believe they can succeed.