Make your child love reading !

Why Doesn’t Your Child Want to Open a Book?

When your child starts primary school, books — once filled with mysterious little symbols — suddenly become something they’re expected to start learning to read.

And even though they’re just beginning, they already know: “Reading is important!” Everyone around them — parents, teachers — seems focused on one thing: reading.

Why? Because in France, as in many countries, reading is closely tied to academic success. Books help children learn new things, expand their vocabulary, and better understand the world. And since school involves a lot of reading, enjoying it gives kids a real advantage when facing new challenges.

But your child can feel that pressure around books. What used to be a relaxing, enjoyable moment is now a task: decoding, sounding out, matching letters to sounds. With all that effort, it’s no wonder some kids start to feel overwhelmed.

While some children adapt easily, others gradually begin to associate reading with hard work — even something they’re forced to do. But it’s important to remember that reading isn’t the only way to explore the world! Music and drawing are also powerful tools that help children make sense of what’s around them.

Reading matters, of course — but there’s no need to worry if your child doesn’t seem interested just yet. Not liking books at age six doesn’t mean they won’t fall in love with reading later on — at school, in their teens, or even as adults!

And take a closer look — your child may be reading more than you think. Maybe Maupassant isn’t their thing, but they’re diving into comic books, nonfiction, or manga. There’s no such thing as a “wrong” kind of reading!