Help! My Child Is Falling Behind in Reading—What Can I Do?

Is Your Child Falling Behind in Reading? 5 Signs Parents Shouldn't Ignore

Simple ways to recognize reading struggles and help your child become a more confident reader.

As parents, we all want to see our children succeed in school. We celebrate their accomplishments, encourage them when things get tough, and do our best to support their learning. But what happens when your child begins struggling with reading?

Maybe you've noticed that your child avoids reading aloud, has difficulty sounding out words, or becomes frustrated when it's time to complete reading homework.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone!

At Martin's Children's Books, we understand that every child learns at their own pace. As an elementary educator and children's book author, I've seen firsthand how a little encouragement, patience, and the right support can make a big difference in a child's reading journey.

The good news? There are simple things parents can do at home to help their young readers build confidence and strengthen their reading skills.

Let's explore five signs that your child may need additional reading support and what you can do to help.

1. Your Child Avoids Reading Whenever Possible

Does your child suddenly need a snack, a bathroom break, or anything else when it's time to read?

While some children simply prefer other activities, consistently avoiding reading can sometimes mean that reading feels difficult or overwhelming.

What Parents Can Do:

- Allow your child to choose books about topics they enjoy.

- Start with 10–15 minutes of reading together.

- Take turns reading pages when appropriate.

- Celebrate effort instead of focusing only on mistakes.

Helpful Hint: Make reading time something your child looks forward to! Create a cozy reading corner with pillows, blankets, and a few favorite books.

2. Your Child Struggles to Sound Out Words

Learning to connect letters with their sounds is an important part of becoming a successful reader.

If your child frequently guesses words based on pictures, skips unfamiliar words, or struggles to blend sounds together, they may need additional practice with phonics.

What Parents Can Do:

- Practice letter sounds using flashcards or magnetic letters.

- Play simple rhyming and sound games.

- Help your child blend sounds together to read short words.

- Choose decodable books that match the phonics patterns your child is learning.

Helpful Hint: Keep practice sessions short and positive. Even five to ten minutes of focused phonics practice can be useful when done consistently.

3. Your Child Can Read the Words but Doesn't Understand the Story

Have you ever asked your child what a story was about, only to hear, "I don't know"?

Reading isn't just about recognizing words. Children also need to understand, remember, and think about what they're reading.

What Parents Can Do:

After reading a story, ask your child questions such as:

- Who were the main characters?

- Where did the story take place?

- What happened at the beginning, middle, and end?

- What was your favorite part?

- What lesson did you learn?

Helpful Hint: Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story and explain why they chose it. This combines creativity, conversation, and reading comprehension!

4. Your Child Becomes Frustrated or Says, "I'm Not Good at Reading"

Sometimes reading struggles affect more than academic performance. They can also impact a child's confidence.

If your child becomes upset, gives up quickly, or compares their reading ability to classmates, they may need extra reassurance and support.

What Parents Can Do:

- Remind your child that learning takes practice.

- Avoid comparing their progress to siblings or classmates.

- Praise their effort and improvement.

- Read books that celebrate confidence, individuality, and perseverance.

Helpful Hint: Replace "This is easy!" with "I know this is challenging, but I love how hard you're trying!"

At Martin's Children's Books, we believe positive messages matter. Stories like Black Boy Be You! and Black Girl Be You: Straighten Your Crown encourage children to recognize their worth, celebrate what makes them special, and believe in themselves.

Remember, a confident child is often more willing to keep trying, even when learning feels difficult.

5. Your Child Continues to Struggle Despite Regular Practice

Every child develops reading skills differently. However, if your child continues to have difficulty recognizing words, reading grade-level material, or understanding stories despite consistent support, it may be time to have a conversation with their teacher.

What Parents Can Do:

- Ask your child's teacher which specific reading skills need improvement.

- Find out what reading assessments have shown.

- Request activities that reinforce classroom instruction.

- Discuss whether additional reading intervention or a formal evaluation may be appropriate.

Helpful Hint: You don't have to wait until report cards arrive to ask questions. Early communication between parents and teachers can help children receive support sooner.

Reading difficulties can have different causes, and these signs alone do not mean a child has a learning disability. A teacher or qualified reading specialist can help determine the next steps.

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A Special Message From One Educator to Parents

After more than 20 years in elementary education, one thing I've learned is that children need encouragement just as much as they need instruction.

Some children develop reading skills quickly, while others require additional time, practice, and specialized support. What matters most is recognizing when your child needs help and working together to provide it.

Don't underestimate the power of sitting beside your child, listening to them read, and celebrating the small victories.

Those little moments can make a lasting difference.

Let's Keep Growing Young Readers Together!

At Martin's Children's Books, our mission is to inspire young minds through diverse children's literature that encourages confidence, kindness, creativity, and a love of learning.

Whether your child is just beginning to recognize letters or working toward reading independently, we're here to help make their reading journey enjoyable and meaningful.

Looking for fun ways to encourage reading at home?

Explore our collection of children's books and FREE downloadable learning activities designed to support young learners.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader, one page at a time!

Happy Reading!

Latoshia Martin

Elementary Educator

Children's Book Author

Founder of Martin's Children's Books