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If you’re anything like me, juggling the demands of daily life while ensuring your child thrives can feel overwhelming. Parenting a child with ADHD often means facing unique challenges, and encouraging them to read can feel like one of the hardest hurdles. Your child’s boundless energy and constant distractions make sitting still with a book seem impossible. But we know how crucial reading is for their development and future success. That’s why this post will explore how to encourage your child with ADHD to read more, giving you actionable tips designed with their needs in mind.
Start With Their Interests
When it comes to kickstarting your child’s love for reading, tapping into their passions is a game-changer. ADHD often comes with hyperfocus, so use that to your advantage. If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, space, or superheroes, grab books that align with those interests. The goal is to spark joy during reading time and show them it doesn’t need to be boring—it can be all about what they love.

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Make Reading a Routine
Creating a sense of structure can help a child with ADHD focus, so building reading into their daily routine is crucial. Choose a time of day when they feel calm and not overly tired or overstimulated. This could be right before bed or during a quiet part of the afternoon. Keep it consistent and keep the sessions short—15 to 20 minutes is better than dragging it out. Over time, this routine can help them see reading as an enjoyable and natural part of their everyday life.
Don’t Underestimate Graphic Novels
Graphic novels are often overlooked, but they offer many surprising benefits to children and can be invaluable for readers with ADHD. The combination of images and text creates a visually engaging experience, breaking down the story into easier-to-follow segments. They appeal to strong visual learners and bring stories to life in a way traditional novels often cannot.
Make It a Shared Activity
Sometimes, sharing the experience of reading can make all the difference in your child’s enjoyment. Read aloud to your child or take turns reading pages. If your child feels connected to you while reading, they’re more likely to associate books with positivity. Celebrate little wins along the way, whether it’s completing their first book or mastering a new vocabulary word. Small milestones lead to big changes over time.
Build Their Confidence
For a child with ADHD, reading can feel like an uphill battle. Celebrate their efforts, no matter how small. If they struggle, offer words of encouragement rather than focusing on mistakes. Avoid comparison to other children and focus solely on their progress. Building confidence is key to creating a lifelong appreciation for books.
Encouraging your child to love reading may take patience, but it’s entirely possible with thoughtful strategies. Now that you know how to encourage your child with ADHD to read more, you can foster a love for stories that can last a lifetime.