How to Raise a Boy Who Loves Reading

7 February 2026

Let’s be honest—raising a boy who loves reading can feel like trying to convince a squirrel to do algebra. Between video games, sports, and those mysterious sock black holes hiding under the bed, sitting down with a book isn’t exactly top priority for a lot of boys. But here’s the thing: it doesn't have to be that way. With the right approach (and a good dose of humor and patience), you can absolutely raise a boy who not only reads but actually wants to!

Why Boys Might Not Gravitate Toward Reading

Before we dive into what you can do, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—why is it that some boys just don’t take to reading right away?

- Boys are wired for movement. Sitting still? Not their fave.
- Peer pressure. Some boys may think reading isn't "cool."
- Limited exposure to books they actually enjoy. Newsflash: not every kid wants to read “Charlotte’s Web.” Shocking, I know.
- Different learning pace. Some boys take longer to get comfortable with reading, and that’s 100% okay.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s grab our literary toolbelt and get to building!

Step 1: Make Reading Feel Like a Superpower

Kids love superpowers. Ask any five-year-old if they’d rather fly or turn invisible, and you’ll get a full debate. So why not pitch reading as the ultimate superpower?

Reading gives your brain muscles. It lets you time travel, shoot into space, and even talk to dragons without ever leaving your couch. Sell it like that. Say things like:

> "You know what’s cooler than X-ray vision? Reading a story where the hero saves the world with just his brain."

Boom. Now you’re planting seeds.

Step 2: Let Him Pick the Books (Even the Weird Ones)

If your son wants to read books about farting unicorns or zombie hamsters with secret ninja skills… LET HIM.

Book snobbery is the fastest way to kill a budding love for reading.

The goal here is not to produce the next Shakespeare. It’s to help your boy see that reading is entertaining, enjoyable, and part of his world.

Start with:

- Comic books (yes, they totally count!)
- Graphic novels: Think “Dog Man” or “Amulet”
- Joke books
- Guinness World Records
- “Choose Your Own Adventure” stories

Whatever catches his eye—run with it. Even if it makes zero literary sense to you.

Step 3: Read With Him, Not To Him

Reading before bed is great, but don’t stop when he learns to read on his own. Shared reading can do magic for bonding—and bonus, it shows him that reading doesn’t have to be a solo sport.

Try tag-team reading. You read a page, he reads a page. Make goofy voices. Act out the characters. Laugh like pirates. Give dramatic pauses that could win Oscars.

Or, flip the script—have him read aloud while you fold laundry or cook dinner. Let him “entertain” you like a mini audiobook.

Step 4: Use Tech to Your Advantage

Yes, I’m suggesting screen time. Gasp.

But hear me out—sometimes the path to the page starts with a screen.

- Audiobooks on car rides? Absolutely.
- E-readers with built-in dictionaries? Genius.
- Reading apps that make chapters interactive? Sign. Me. Up.

If he’s a tech-loving kid, meet him where he is. Reading doesn’t have to be old-school paperback only. If an iPad or Kindle helps him read more, you're still winning.

Step 5: Create a “Book Nook” That’s Cooler Than Fortnite

Let’s make his reading space irresistible. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy corner, just something that screams “you’re allowed to chill here.”

What to toss in:

- Comfy bean bag or floor pillow
- A fun lamp or string lights
- A box or shelf of books he picked
- Maybe even a small “Do Not Disturb – I’m Reading” sign for drama

Make reading feel like an escape. Not a homework assignment.

Step 6: Don’t Force It, Just Water It

Imagine trying to teach someone to love broccoli by yelling, “EAT IT OR ELSE!” Doesn’t work, right?

Same goes for books.

Don’t turn reading into a bargaining tool. Avoid saying things like, “No dessert until you read 10 pages.” That makes reading feel like a chore. And chores are famously unpopular. Instead, use praise like:

> “You read that book cover to cover? That’s what champions do!”

> “I saw you reading for like 30 minutes. High-five, book ninja!”

You’re not forcing a flower to bloom—you’re watering it with encouragement.

Step 7: Be the Reading Role Model

Monkey see, monkey do. If your son never sees you reading, guess what... he’s not exactly going to assume it’s fun.

So read in front of him. Talk about the books you’re into. Laugh out loud while reading. Complain (dramatically) when your favorite character dies. Share the experience.

Family reading time is gold. Even if it’s just 10 minutes after dinner, sitting together with books—even each reading your own thing—sends a huge message: “Reading matters here.”

Step 8: Connect Books to His Interests

Want to hack his brain? Bridge books and things he already loves.

- Is he into dinosaurs? Grab a nonfiction book full of T-Rex facts.
- Obsessed with sports? There are fiction and nonfiction books about everything from baseball to skateboarding.
- Loves video games? Try books based on game worlds (think “Minecraft adventures” or “Five Nights at Freddy’s” novels).

Hook him with what he already geeks out over. Once he’s lured in, the love of reading will sneak up on him like a literary ninja.

Step 9: Make Reading a Social Activity

Boys often thrive in groups. So bring reading into the social sphere.

A few ideas:

- Start a boys-only book club with some of his friends (pizza required).
- Let him read the same book as a cousin or friend, then chat about it over Facetime.
- Join online kid reading communities or challenges.

Making reading something they can talk about makes it more engaging, and it sticks.

Step 10: Celebrate the Little Wins

Finished their first chapter book ever? High-five parade.

Read three days in a row? Break out the celebratory pancakes.

Sometimes we wait for the “big” milestones (like reading Harry Potter cover to cover) before we cheer. But every little step counts. Keep celebrating, and your boy will associate reading with positivity... not pressure.

Bonus Tip: Watch Book-Based Movies Together

You know that joy of saying, “The book was better”? Let him live that feeling.

Try this:

1. Pick a book that has a movie adaptation.
2. Read the book together (or let him go at his own pace).
3. Watch the movie as a reward.
4. Have a silly debate afterward. “Which version had the better villain?” “What got left out?” “Did the dragon look cooler in your head?”

Suddenly, reading isn’t just about pages. It’s an experience.

Final Thoughts: Raising a Reader (Boy Edition)

Look, raising a boy who loves reading isn’t about forcing “War and Peace” on a six-year-old. It’s about building a culture of curiosity, fun, and connection around books. It's about showing him that reading isn’t just for “brainy” kids—it’s for everyone, including goofballs who wear socks with capes and think burps are hilarious.

Your job? Be his guide. Be his cheerleader. And keep bringing awesome books into his world until one of them sticks like peanut butter on toast.

Because once it clicks—once he finds that one story that makes him go, “Whoa, this is cool”—you’ve officially raised a boy who loves reading.

And that, my friend, is superhero parenting.