Engaging Reluctant Readers
Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent. Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way. As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works. You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration. Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate. Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!
Episodes
If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “Just one more page and then you can…”—you’re not alone. When reading turns into a negotiation, rewards can feel like the only way forward. But what if motivation could grow naturally—without stickers, snacks, or standoffs?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook opens up about why bribes and reward systems so often backfire when it comes to reading—and what t...
When you think “reading nook,” do you picture twinkle lights, teepees, and shelves full of brand-new books? The truth is, cozy reading spaces don’t have to be elaborate—or expensive. In fact, some of the best book nooks are the simplest ones, created with what you already have at home.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares why giving reading a “home” in your house makes such a difference—a...
Does the idea of a cozy family reading night sound wonderful in theory—but totally impossible in your real life? Between sports practices, dishes, and bedtime meltdowns, it can feel like there’s no way to add one more thing. But family reading nights don’t have to be perfect (or even quiet) to be powerful.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how family reading nights can bring connection...
If your last library trip ended in chaos—or you’ve been avoiding going at all—you’re not alone. Maybe your kids melted down before you made it past the first shelf, maybe you left with a random pile of books no one read, or maybe you can’t even find your library card.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares real-life stories, honest reflections, and practical strategies to help you reset how...
Back-to-school season brings new routines, earlier mornings, and after-school exhaustion—and for many families, reading is the first thing to fall apart. If your child is suddenly resisting or your once-steady reading time feels impossible, you’re not alone.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares real-life stories of reading resistance, shifting schedules, and messy evenings to show you why...
You’ve noticed something about your child’s reading, but the thought of bringing it up with their teacher makes you hesitate. What if I sound pushy? What if I say the wrong thing? What if I’m overreacting?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to have low-pressure, supportive conversations with your child’s teacher about reading. From real-life examples to simple conversation starters,...
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 positiv...
You want to encourage reading—but somehow, things keep backfiring. Maybe incentives don’t work, reading time ends in frustration, or you're not sure how much to step in. Sound familiar?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook walks you through 11 common mistakes parents make (without realizing it) when trying to support their child’s reading—and what to do instead. With gentle mindset shifts a...
You hand your child a book expecting a cozy read-aloud moment… and instead, you get crossed arms, shut-down eyes, or a flat-out “Nope.” Sound familiar? You're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook walks you through what’s really going on when your child refuses to read aloud—and how to respond with calm, connection, and confidence. From sil...
You’ve hit reset on your summer reading expectations—now what? If you’re wondering how to turn that fresh start into real momentum without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to create simple, flexible reading goals that build confidence and ownership—without turning books into a chore. You’ll learn how to make goals fun, track prog...
Is your once-promising summer reading routine unraveling fast? You’re not alone. By mid-summer, even the most enthusiastic readers can lose steam—and that’s okay.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook offers a compassionate, realistic approach to navigating the mid-summer reading slump. Whether your child is avoiding books, glued to screens, or just plain bored, you’ll find gentle, guilt-free str...
Struggling to pull your child away from screens and into books? You’re not alone. With video games, YouTube, and digital distractions everywhere, reading can feel like a losing battle. But good news—you don’t have to choose between screens and stories.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to balance screen time with reading using simple strategies that actually work. You’ll learn how ...
Tired of hunting down the “perfect” book only for your child to lose interest after chapter one? You’re not alone. When reading feels like a chore—for both you and your child—it’s easy to get stuck in a frustrating loop. But here’s the good news: you don’t need endless new titles to keep them hooked.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how book series can be a game-changer for reluctant ...
Struggling to pull your child away from screens and into books? You’re not alone. With video games, YouTube, and digital distractions everywhere, reading can feel like a losing battle. But good news—you don’t have to choose between screens and stories.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how to balance screen time with reading using simple strategies that actually work. You’ll learn how ...
Ever wonder if your reluctant reader will ever enjoy books? I get it—because I used to be that kid. In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey from loving picture books to avoiding reading at all costs… and what finally brought me back.
You’ll hear what caused me to pull away from reading, the moments that kept the spark alive, and how becoming a mom shifted everything. If your child is resisting books—or you’re carrying yo...
Does your child resist reading—or claim it’s just plain boring? You’re not alone. Many kids see books as “work” instead of play—but the magic of storytelling isn’t lost… it just needs a little boost!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares creative, low-prep ways to transform storytime from “ugh” to “yay!” Learn how silly voices, props, cozy spaces, and playful reading strategies can make bo...
Does your child fidget, rush through books, or lose focus after just a few pages? You're not alone—and no, your child isn’t lazy or “bad at reading.” The real challenge may be reading stamina—and the good news? It’s a skill they can build!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure strategies to help kids stay engaged with books longer—without battles, bribes, or bu...
Is your child starting to lose interest in reading? If they push back when it’s time to pick up a book—even after they’ve learned to read on their own—you’re not alone. Many parents stop reading aloud once kids become independent readers, but that’s a mistake.
In this heartfelt episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how reviving the read-aloud tradition helped reconnect her son to books—and how you...
Reading gets real in elementary school. Around 3rd or 4th grade, many kids shift from learning to read to reading to learn—but not every child makes that transition smoothly. This stage is where confidence can soar… or where frustration, fluency struggles, and disinterest take root.
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook breaks down what strong reading looks like from Kindergarten through 4th grad...
Did you know your child starts developing reading skills long before they open their first book? From birth to preschool, kids are absorbing language, rhythm, and vocabulary—laying the foundation for a lifetime of reading success. But what should you be doing during this stage? And how can you support your child’s learning without pressure or overwhelm?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook break...
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