Engaging Reluctant Readers
Ellen Westbrook
Publishing Details
About This Podcast
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!
Podcasting 2.0 Features
Social Media
Explore Statistics
Recent Episodes
S1E26 Creating a Home Where Kids See Themselves as Readers
When your child says, “I’m just not a reader,” it’s easy to worry that you’ve missed something. But what if the real issue isn’t skill—it’s self-story? In this episode, Ellen explores how your home…
S1E25 How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles)
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…
S1E24 Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love
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…
S1E23 Messy, Fun, and Memorable: The Real Secret to Family Reading Nights
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…
S1E22 Library Visits Without the Chaos: How to Make Them Work for Your Family
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…
S1E21 Back-to-School Chaos: Why Reading Feels Harder Right Now
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…
S1E20 How to Talk to Your Child's Teacher About Reading (Without Feeling Pushy)
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…
S1E19 The Secret to Raising a Reader: Why Confidence Matters More Than Skills
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…
S1E18 11 Common Reading Mistakes Parents Make (and What to Do Instead)
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…
S1E17 What to Do When Your Child Refuses to Read Aloud
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…
S1E16 How to Set Reading Goals That Actually Stick
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…
S1E15 Mid-Summer Reading Slump? Try This Gentle Reset
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…
S1E14 Books vs. Movies? The Surprising Way to Hook Your Reluctant Reader
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…
S1E13 Binge-Worthy Book Series Your Reluctant Reader Will Love
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…
S1E12 Tech-Loving Kid? How to Spark a Love of Reading Without Fighting Screens
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…
S1E11 From 'I Hate Reading' to 'Just One More Chapter'–My Journey as a Reluctant Reader
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…
S1E10 No More "I Hate Reading!"—Fun, Easy Ways to Bring Books to Life for Kids
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…
S1E9 How to Build Your Child's Reading Stamina (Without the Battles!)
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…
S1E8 Why Reading Aloud Still Matters—Even After Kids Can Read Themselves
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…
S1E7 Avoid the 4th Grade Reading Slump: How to Keep Your Child on Track from K-4 (Part 2)
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Engaging Reluctant Readers has published 28 episodes since March 2025, covering topics in Education, How To.
Engaging Reluctant Readers is currently declining with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 12m.
Similar Podcasts
Read-Aloud Revival ®
Sarah Mackenzie
304 episodes
3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms
Cloud10
505 episodes
No Bad Dogs Podcast
Tom Davis
376 episodes
Minimalist Moms Podcast | Purposeful Life & Parenting Tips
Diane Boden
658 episodes
Drinking From the Toilet: Real dogs, Real training
Hannah Branigan
192 episodes
Little by Little Homeschool - Christian Homeschooling and Motherhood
Leigh Nguyen - Homeschool Mom, Homeschooling, Education, Motherhood, Homemaking, Christian Parenting
474 episodes