Why Some Children Struggle With Reading (And How Parents Can Help Gently)

Reading doesn’t come naturally to every child and that’s okay. Many parents worry when their child avoids reading, reads very slowly, or becomes frustrated. But the truth is this: you’re not doing anything wrong. Every child learns at a different pace, and there are many gentle ways to help them grow.

This guide explains why some children struggle with reading, and how simple, gentle support from parents can build confidence and progress.

Here are a few common reasons children struggle with reading and what you can do to support them with confidence and calm.

They may feel overwhelmed

Some children shut down when a task feels “too big.” Long words, small text, or a story they don’t understand can cause anxiety.

How you can help: Keep sessions short and positive. Celebrate small wins even by reading one sentence is progress.

They might lack phonics foundations

If a child has gaps in early sounds or blending skills, reading becomes a puzzle with missing pieces.

How you can help: Go back to basics with simple phonics review. Slow repetition builds strong confidence.

They could be guessing instead of reading

Many children memorize shapes of words or guess from pictures. This works in Grade RR – Grade1 but becomes a problem later.

How you can help: Cover pictures and encourage sounding out. Praise effort, not speed.

They may need personalised, structured support

Some children simply benefit from one-on-one, gentle teaching tailored to their pace, personality, and confidence level.

How Teacher Lizelle supports this: With over 23 years of experience, Teacher Lizelle helps learners build reading skills step-by-step, patiently, warmly, and without pressure. Her sessions are designed to make children feel safe, capable, and proud of themselves.

A final note to parents

If your child is struggling, please know this:

You have not failed them. They are not behind.

They just need the right approach and you’re already doing the right thing by caring.

If you’d like guidance or a friendly chat about where your child is at, Teacher Lizelle is always happy to help.

Get in touch through the Contact page anytime