Children have been long conditioned to view reading as a chore, repeatedly being reminded of the long-term benefits of it. As parents, we sometimes reinforce this perspective through little things, without realizing – having set expectations around reading certain genres, reading at certain times, or reading at a certain level.

If your child doesn’t have a say in what, when, or where they read, it’s very likely that they don’t see reading as pleasurable.

As adults, we have the knowledge that reading is beneficial, so we gradually become selective over the types of books we read, pivoting into content we think would benefit us, or increase our knowledge. Reading becomes methodical, calculated, and logical.

As children, reading is, and should be deeply emotional – an experience that is dictated solely by pleasure and curiosity.

When children feel ownership over their reading, they’re significantly more likely to engage with it, enjoy it, and stick with it long term.

According to the self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), one of the factors that influence children’s intrinsic motivation towards reading is control (autonomy).

Too often, kids are handed books based on curriculum goals, adult preferences, or reading levels, without much input of their own. They’re told what to read, how long to read, and sometimes even where they should sit to do it.

Here’s how we can change that

1. Let Them Pick the Book
   It sounds simple, but it’s the foundation. If we want kids to read for pleasure, we need to allow them to have their own reading lists. Yes, you can guide and recommend, but not overrule them because the book seems “too easy,” or “too silly.” Through our RFP initiative, we met a wonderful student who claimed not to have any interest in books. In fact, he showed a great aversion to books, until the mention of “joke books”. His eyes lit up and he gleamed with excitement at the possibility of getting joke books in school. It made clear to us that he wasn’t opposed to books, he just never had the chance to explore his own choices.
   Tip: Set up a mini “book buffet” at home. Rotate in new options from the library or bookstore, and let your child browse like they would at a candy store.
2. Stop Watching the Clock
   Reading for pleasure isn’t about hitting a timer. If your child is made to read for 20 minutes a day like it’s brushing their teeth, that timer becomes a mental finish line. They stop reading when the beeper goes off, not because the story ended, but because the requirement did. Allow them to read for as long as they like, whether that’s 30 minutes or 3. Tip: Create windows of opportunity, not mandates. Keep books accessible throughout the day, and let them pick them up when they’re curious, not just when they’re told.
3. Place Matters
   Kids don’t need to read sitting upright at a desk with classical music in the background(unless they want to). They can read sprawled on the floor, curled up under a blanket fort, or in the back seat of a car. If you have a negative association with reading in certain places like the bed, it’s important to realize the place doesn’t matter, the habit does. Tip: Help them create a “reading zone.” It could be as simple as a comfy pillow and a basket of books. Ownership of space reinforces ownership of the habit.
4. Model Yourself
   Kids watch what you do, not just what you say. If you always read the same genre or only read because of work or obligation, that’s the example they absorb. Show them that you read what you love, when and where it works for you. Tip: Have a “family reading hour” where everyone grabs a book of their choice. No discussions required, just shared time with pages.

This isn’t about letting kids run wild. It’s about trusting them to build a relationship with reading that’s emotional, and self-motivated.

When children are allowed to follow their reading instincts, they’re more likely to develop strong, lasting reading habits.

So ask yourself again: does your child have control over their reading?

If not, maybe it’s time to hand over the wheel.