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The Secret to Raising a Reader: Why Confidence Matters More Than Skills
Manage episode 502886821 series 3652361
When your child sighs, groans, or says, “I hate reading”—it hits deep. It’s not just about the book in front of them—it’s about what they’re starting to believe about themselves as a reader.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to help your child build confidence with reading—even when it feels like a struggle right now. You’ll learn how reader identity forms, why labels (even positive ones) can backfire, and the simple shifts that help kids start to see themselves as capable, growing readers.
What You’ll Learn:
☑️ Why reading confidence starts before skills are “mastered”
☑️ How small wins build momentum and motivation
☑️ Why labels (good or bad) can hurt more than help
☑️ Practical ways to invite reading—without pressure
☑️ How to make progress visible so kids believe in themselves
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:00:25] When your child says “I hate reading”—what’s really going on
[00:01:14] How reader identity forms long before fluency
[00:02:14] A real-life example of building confidence through space and support
[00:03:03] Why book choice (even “easy” books) matters
[00:04:29] Simple, low-pressure feedback that builds belief
[00:05:38] Why labels can backfire—and what to say instead
[00:06:01] Invite, don’t assign: fun, playful ways approach reading and grow confidence
[00:08:08] The one mindset shift that makes all the difference
[00:09:28] Sneak peek: next week’s episode on talking to teachers
[00:09:56] Upcoming Reset & Read Workshop
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/08/28/build-reading-confidence-kids/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/keO5Wh7x26Y
✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
Grab your Reading Stamina Tracker Kit—a kid-friendly tool to help your child see their progress and feel proud of their reading growth.
📥 Get it here → bit.ly/RSTrackerKit
🎟️ Reset & Read: A Live Workshop for Tired Parents of Reluctant Readers
If reading time is already turning into a power struggle this school year, you’re not doing anything wrong—it just means it might be time for a reset.
Join me live on September 12 for a short, supportive workshop where you’ll learn how to rebuild your family’s reading rhythm—without the guilt, the logs, or the resistance.
🎯 Just $12 through September 9 → https://bit.ly/resetandread
🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!
It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
Follow on Instagram
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Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)
Follow on Pinterest
Subscribe to the Engaging Reluctant Readers YouTube Channel
✨Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
Chapters
1. The Secret to Raising a Reader: Why Confidence Matters More Than Skills (00:00:00)
2. When your child says “I hate reading”—what’s really going on (00:00:25)
3. How reader identity forms long before fluency (00:01:14)
4. A real-life example of building confidence through space and support (00:02:14)
5. Why book choice (even "easy" books) matter (00:03:03)
6. Simple, low-pressure feedback that builds belief (00:04:29)
7. Why labels can backfire—and what to say instead (00:05:38)
8. Invite, don’t assign: fun, playful ways approach reading and grow confidence (00:06:01)
9. The one mindset shift that makes all the difference (00:08:51)
10. Sneak peek: next week’s episode on talking to teachers (00:10:11)
11. Reset & Read Workshop (00:10:39)
21 episodes
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