FAQ
Every question parents ask us
Short, honest answers to the questions we hear most from families raising readers.
What age should I start reading to my child?＋
From birth. Even newborns benefit from hearing your voice and being read to sets up strong language pathways.
How long should we read each day?＋
15–20 minutes of read-aloud, plus any independent reading, is a great daily goal for most families.
My child hates reading — what do I do?＋
Follow their interests, lower the difficulty, and read to them long past when they can read themselves. Try comics, joke books and graphic novels.
Are audiobooks 'real' reading?＋
Yes — audiobooks build vocabulary, comprehension and love of story. They work best paired with print for kids still learning to decode.
What if my child guesses words from the pictures?＋
That's a sign to switch to decodable books and practice phonics. Guessing is a habit that gets in the way of reading longer text.
When should I worry about reading progress?＋
If a child isn't blending sounds after a year of consistent phonics instruction at age 6+, ask the school for a screening.
How do I choose the right book level?＋
Use the five-finger rule: open to a random page. If your child hits more than five unknown words, it's too hard for solo reading.
Should I stop read-alouds when my child reads independently?＋
No. Kids benefit from being read to well into middle school. It builds vocabulary far above their decoding level.
Are reading apps worth it?＋
Some are (Teach Your Monster to Read, Reading Eggs). They work best as a supplement to real books, not a replacement.
How can I help without teaching?＋
Read aloud, provide books, model reading, ask about what they're reading, and don't quiz them.