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Engaging Reluctant Readers

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Written by: Ellen Westbrook
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About this listen

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!

© 2025 Engaging Reluctant Readers Parenting Relationships
Episodes
  • How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles)

    How to Motivate Kids to Read (Without Bribes or Battles)
    Oct 16 2025

    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 motivation could grow naturally—without stickers, snacks, or standoffs?

    In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook opens up about why bribes and reward systems so often backfire when it comes to reading—and what to do instead. Through honest stories from her own family, she shares a simple framework that helps kids rediscover joy, confidence, and true motivation to read. This is a guilt-free, grace-filled conversation for every parent who’s tired of the bedtime reading battles and ready for something that lasts.

    What You’ll Learn:

    ☑️ Why quick fixes (like bribes) stop working over time
    ☑️ The mindset shift that changes everything about reading motivation
    ☑️ A simple, three-part approach that builds motivation from the inside out
    ☑️ How to make reading time feel fun, peaceful, and productive again
    ☑️ The surprising ways small moments create big reading wins

    Key Episode Highlights:

    [00:01:13] Why quick fixes and rewards often backfire
    [00:03:17] Ellen’s lightbulb moment: realizing the “reward” was creating more work
    [00:05:25] When reading became lonely for JD—and the connection that brought him back
    [00:06:33] A simple mindset shift that changed everything about motivation
    [00:07:04] How connection and presence can reignite a love of reading
    [00:10:07] Ways to use rewards that support motivation instead of replacing it
    [00:14:20] The power of unexpected encouragement and praise
    [00:17:17] Sneak peek for next week’s episode


    📖 Prefer to Read?     Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/10/17/motivate-kids-to-read-without-bribes/


    ✨ FREEBIE ALERT!

    Feeling stuck in the “nothing’s working” phase?
    Download 5 Motivation Traps to Avoid—your quick, practical guide to spotting the common pitfalls that derail reading motivation and what to do instead.
    👉 Grab it here: https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/traps



    🎟️Motivating Reluctant Readers Guide

    Want to understand what truly sparks your child’s interest in reading?
    The Motivating Reluctant Readers Guide helps you uncover your child’s unique motivators and gives you confidence-boosting strategies that actually work.
    No pressure, no perfection—just joyful, lasting progress.
    👉 Learn more her

    Share your thoughts!


    Grab your Motivating Reluctant Readers Guide today --> https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/mrrguide



    🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!

    It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!


    Resources:

    Follow on Instagram

    Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)

    ✨ Grab your Book Nook Starter Kit today!

    ✨ Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love

    Book Nooks on a Budget: Simple Spaces Kids Will Love
    Oct 3 2025

    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 the best book nooks are the simplest ones, created with what you already have at home.

    In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares why giving reading a “home” in your house makes such a difference—and how to design one without spending a fortune. From repurposed chairs to blanket forts, you’ll discover low-cost, low-pressure ways to create a space your kids will actually use (and love).

    What You’ll Learn:

    ☑️ Why giving reading a dedicated “spot” helps kids choose books more often
    ☑️ How to create a cozy nook with what you already have on hand
    ☑️ The essentials: comfort, light, and books within reach
    ☑️ Easy, budget-friendly tweaks to keep your nook fresh and inviting
    ☑️ Why some spaces fizzle—and how to adjust without giving up


    ⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

    [00:00:25] Why picture-perfect reading nooks aren’t necessary
    [00:01:56] The unexpected recliner that became a family reading spot
    [00:03:38] Why elaborate setups often backfire
    [00:05:21] The basics: light, comfort, and books within reach
    [00:06:07] How to stock a reading nook without overwhelming kids
    [00:07:44] Why some spaces fizzle (and how to adjust without giving up)
    [00:09:22] Bottom line: start small, keep it simple, and let the space evolve
    [00:09:49] Sneak peek at next week's episode


    📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/10/02/reading-nook-for-kids/

    ✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
    Grab your Book Nook Starter Kit—with 100+ fun book theme ideas and my four simple steps for creating a reading nook your family will actually use.
    📥 Get it here → https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/booknookstarterkit


    📘 Want to make books feel irresistible in your home?
    Check out the Create the Invitation to Read Mini Course—a short, practical training that shows you how to set up books and spaces in ways that spark curiosity and connection without pressure.
    📥 Enroll here → https://engagingreluctantreaders.vipmembervault.com/products/courses/view/1134274



    Share your thoughts!


    🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!

    It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!


    Resources:

    Follow on Instagram

    Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)

    ✨ Grab your Book Nook Starter Kit today!

    ✨ Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Messy, Fun, and Memorable: The Real Secret to Family Reading Nights

    Messy, Fun, and Memorable: The Real Secret to Family Reading Nights
    Sep 25 2025

    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 way to add one more thing. But family reading nights don’t have to be perfect (or even quiet) to be powerful.

    In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares how family reading nights can bring connection, laughter, and calm—even if your evenings are anything but picture-perfect. From unplanned story pile-ups to silly multi-voice read alouds, you’ll discover simple ways to make family reading nights work for your family, in your real world.

    What You’ll Learn:

    ☑️ Why family reading nights matter (even if they’re messy)

    ☑️ How to start small—without pressure or a “perfect book”

    ☑️ Simple tweaks to make reading time inviting and fun

    ☑️ Creative ideas: comfort items, book jars, movie tie-ins, and more

    ☑️ Why these imperfect moments still leave a lasting impact


    ⏳ Key Episode Highlights:

    [00:00:25] Why evenings feel frantic (and how reading can shift the tone)
    [00:01:12] What real-life family reading nights look like (hint: not picture-perfect)
    [00:02:16] From divide-and-conquer to a shared family read aloud
    [00:04:07] Why the biggest barrier isn’t time—it’s pressure
    [00:05:17] Cozy pile-ups, comfort items, and other inviting tweaks
    [00:06:19] Fun twists: book jars, family favorites, and book-plus-movie teasers
    [00:07:34] Multi-voice read alouds (and why the laughter matters)
    [00:08:12] Ripple effects: calmer bedtimes and sibling moments worth savoring
    [00:10:34] Why these small, imperfect moments matter more than you think
    [00:10:58] Sneak peek at next week’s episode


    📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post:     https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/09/25/family-reading-nights/


    ✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
    Grab your Mini Reading Goal Planner—a simple, kid-friendly tool to help your child set goals they’re actually excited about (without pressure or battles).
    📥 Get it here →     https://engagingreluctantreaders.m-pages.com/minigoalplanner


    🎟️ Reset & Read Workshop Replay
    If family reading nights—or reading time in general—keep falling apart, the Reset & Read Workshop replay will help you rebuild your reading rhythm in a way that actually sticks.

    🎯 Grab the replay here → https://bit.ly/resetandread

    Share your thoughts!


    🎧Love the podcast? Hit the 5⭐to leave a rating & review!

    It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!


    Resources:

    Follow on Instagram

    Join the Engaging Reluctant Readers Tribe (Facebook Group)

    ✨ Grab your Book Nook Starter Kit today!

    ✨ Grab your Reading Bucket List Bundle today!
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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