https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 10:06:53 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658892 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 18:04:08 +0000 caitlanc 2658892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep. LO1 has always loved books and I totally took that for granted. LO2 didn't care about them at all until about 19 or 20 months when a switch flipped and now he wants us to read to him ALL the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658772 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:34:57 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2658772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO2 is 14 months, and he isn't really allowing us to finish books either. At bedtime, we read what we can on each page as he turns the pages. During the time he's awake and playing, I'll sit on the floor and read "at" him like @psw27 said. Every once in a while, he'll sit down with me and listen for a minute or want to turn pages. </p> <p>Baby Einstein also has super short, one word board books:</p> <p><a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1798683/baby-einstein-12-pc-board-book-block-set.jsp?ci_mcc=ci&#038;utm_campaign=PRESCHOOL%20TOYS&#038;utm_medium=CSE&#038;utm_source=google&#038;utm_product=93426783&#038;CID=shopping15&#038;gclid=Cj0KEQiA6_TBBRDInaPjhcelt5oBEiQApPeTF0z_bsNyj7z23lm-LTC-u5k0PXz02RIZvg2hVh947NcaAkbk8P8HAQ&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds&#038;dclid=CNiBv8baztACFYQNNwodEVgA3w" rel="nofollow">http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1798683/baby-einstein-12-pc-board-book-block-set.jsp?ci_mcc=ci&#038;utm_campaign=PRESCHOOL%20TOYS&#038;utm_medium=CSE&#038;utm_source=google&#038;utm_product=93426783&#038;CID=shopping15&#038;gclid=Cj0KEQiA6_TBBRDInaPjhcelt5oBEiQApPeTF0z_bsNyj7z23lm-LTC-u5k0PXz02RIZvg2hVh947NcaAkbk8P8HAQ&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds&#038;dclid=CNiBv8baztACFYQNNwodEVgA3w</a></p> <p>or if you can find these letter books, they're board books that are 3 pages each that begin with the letter on the front:</p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Einstein-Alphabooks-Board-Book/dp/0786819073" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Einstein-Alphabooks-Board-Book/dp/0786819073</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658746 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 14:13:53 +0000 gingerbebe 2658746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup, read books AT them. We picked a set time/place like bedtime in his play tent, would keep a few of the same books there, and we would read at him. He could pick if he wanted and for a long time he wanted like one specific page in each book. (The snake page in Dear Zoo, Pup in cup page in Hop on Pop, scratchy bale of hay page in the Tractor book, etc). But keeping the same books there meant he got the repetition and routine of reading and eventually we added a few other books to the pile (mostly word books). Now at 2 he will bring us books and sit through 1-2 at a time (short board books without much narrative like Sandra Boynton or word books or flap books). He really likes the V-Tech books for words too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658704 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:53:18 +0000 psw27 2658704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to just read books "at" my son. Even if I thought he wasn't listening! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658695 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:49:24 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2658695@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have similar issues with both kiddos. They're just so busy playing. I read while they play, or recite the ones I know by heart. They also will both sit on their own and look through all of their books if I put them all on the floor in a pile. If they open one I know I'll start saying the words. They love that usually. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658664 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 13:39:15 +0000 alphagam84 2658664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 12 month old is like this too. She hasn't been into books for about 2 months now. My husband is worried but I know she'll be into them at some point. We've been reading to her since she was born. She is just so into walking and playing she won't sit still to be read to. Before bed, we just read out loud her books to her even though she's busy playing. I figure she's still hearing the words and that is what's important :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658574 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 12:03:52 +0000 MrsSRS 2658574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A few suggestions:<br /> We turn some books into rides. So,<br /> "Little Blue truck went round the road"=bouncing lap gently<br /> "Beep said Blue to the big green toad"=a big bounce on beep<br /> "Toad said croak and winked an eye"=a shimmy on croak<br /> ...we lean side to side when the dump goes around the curve, etc<br /> Try having LO stand facing you and read the book like a librarian or teacher. This works best with action books like an illustrated version of a song like Head Shoulders Knees Toes.<br /> And I second pp who said just wait it out! My first was way more into books than my second. Now at 18mo she is willing to sit for a story. What helped her the most was leaving a big bin of board books on the floor in her room for her to explore her own way. Eventually she started bringing them to me to flip through at her own pace, then she started waiting to hear the words. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658536 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 10:49:42 +0000 Ms.Badger 2658536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>J is 19 months and very similar. I went through a phase where I would just read books at him while he played and he'd occasionally look up at the book. Then he would sit with me if he had his own book to page through. Now I think we are in a transition because if the book has pictures of balls or dogs on every page he will pay attention to find the next ball/dog. I think at this age, it's just finding what works for now and feeling ok with whatever that is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658535 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 10:49:23 +0000 808love 2658535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO went through this phase too. I agree with Jennypenny. Keep it short at this age. Perhaps different locations or special routines would help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658532 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 10:44:17 +0000 ShootingStar 2658532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS went through a phase where he wasn't really interested in books. Probably around the same age. We just kept reading to him as part of bed time, sometimes he'd like it, sometimes we'd cut it short. And now at 3 he loves books and has for a long time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658507 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:33:13 +0000 raspberries 2658507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS just turned 16 months, and he's only interested in books in two circumstances - 1) if DH makes them super interactive (the book itself - like, spinning it in circles, asking him to give xx character a kiss, making the book jump or hop or whatever fits in the storyline) or 2) if it's about Elmo. I don't know if you're allowing any screen time, but DS loooves a compilation video of Elmo songs on youtube that we use on long car drives, and ever since he realized some of his books have Elmo in it, he'll bring them to us and ask us to read them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658505 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:29:54 +0000 edelweiss 2658505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO1 hardly ever sat for a book at that age. storytime was us reading while he romped around the room. then there were a few phases of him being interested, but that was more around 2. now, at almost 4 years old, he loves books. so who the hell knows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658503 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:23:33 +0000 BadgerMom 2658503@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: DS was like this too. It didn't matter what type of book it was, he just wasn't that interested. I found that he would at least let me get through short books at bedtime if he has his pacifier or a sippy to keep him somewhat busy. I also stopped asking him to sit when I read to him during the day. I would just sit on the floor while he played and read the stories. Sometimes he would come over and check out the pages, sometimes he wouldn't. Eventually we were able to do longer and longer books before bed and he gradually showed more interest during the day. I also remember the Bee's saying they would read during dinner. So I would do that sometimes too while he was essentially a captive audience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658500 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:20:04 +0000 looch 2658500@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Reading doesn't have to be limited to books, you can put labels on objects, for example. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658499 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 09:17:40 +0000 lamariniere 2658499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My older child loved reading and would sit still from a very young age for long periods of time and listen. My younger child didn't get interested until more like 18 months. We just kept reading to the older one and eventually the younger one would come join us. Now she loves reading and will listen for a long time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658458 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 08:18:11 +0000 ValentineMommy 2658458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've tried lift the flap books, scratch and sniff, books that make sound, books the light up, sensory books (our older son has sensory issues, so we have lots of them).....you name it! </p> <p>@JennyPenny: It's good to hear that it might change. I was just hoping it would improve his verbal skills!</p> <p>We will keep trying, thank you for the suggestions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658447 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 08:02:05 +0000 brownepiano 2658447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can look for books that have one of two words per page and lots of sound effects. My kid liked those before he would suit still for books. There's a whole series, Planes go, excavators go, trains go... They were all fun to read. </p> <p>Trains Go <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811879429/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0WxpybYZYMWZW" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811879429/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0WxpybYZYMWZW</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658442 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:50:37 +0000 JennyPenny 2658442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine was the same at that age. We just kept story time short. Now at 2, he loves books, especially ones with his favorite things in them. Maybe wait till he shows interest in specific things and load up on books with those things in them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658440 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:48:46 +0000 SweetCaroline 2658440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also recommend lift the flap books. We also have a farm animal boom that has furry patches you push that moo, etc.</p> <p>DD is 21 months and I can usually only get her to sit still at bedtime. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658437 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:47:03 +0000 mrswin 2658437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: Another thing we did to get her used to books was give her one of these rag books when we were in the car, it helped her get comfortable with books on her own schedule.</p> <p>We got this one at Costco <a href="https://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KLj9OSeD1YOkIAi6uQ7olQ;_ylu=X3oDMTIzZms4ZmdiBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAM3YzI3YWVhNTYxOTNlYTU0OTIwYTZlYTNiYmI0YTM3NQRncG9zAzQ0BGl0A2Jpbmc-?.origin=&#038;back=https%3A%2F%2Fca.images.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Drag%2Bbooks%2Bunder%2Bthe%2Bsea%26fr%3Diphone%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D44&#038;w=723&#038;h=864&#038;imgurl=www.kidsbooks.com%2Fassets%2Fbookart%2Fgifts%2FDCB-OceanColors-Combo.png&#038;rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidsbooks.com%2Fgifts-for-baby%2Focean-colors&#038;size=148.1KB&#038;name=Check+out+the+whole+Peek-A-Boo&#038;p=rag+books+under+the+sea&#038;oid=7c27aea56193ea54920a6ea3bbb4a375&#038;fr2=piv-web&#038;fr=iphone&#038;tt=Check+out+the+whole+Peek-A-Boo&#038;b=0&#038;ni=21&#038;no=44&#038;ts=&#038;tab=organic&#038;sigr=11k47rh91&#038;sigb=13if9j5el&#038;sigi=120baaenm&#038;sigt=10uia3327&#038;sign=10uia3327&#038;.crumb=NTOx2kWFfH/&#038;fr=iphone&#038;fr2=piv-web" rel="nofollow">https://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A2KLj9OSeD1YOkIAi6uQ7olQ;_ylu=X3oDMTIzZms4ZmdiBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAM3YzI3YWVhNTYxOTNlYTU0OTIwYTZlYTNiYmI0YTM3NQRncG9zAzQ0BGl0A2Jpbmc-?.origin=&#038;back=https%3A%2F%2Fca.images.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Drag%2Bbooks%2Bunder%2Bthe%2Bsea%26fr%3Diphone%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D44&#038;w=723&#038;h=864&#038;imgurl=www.kidsbooks.com%2Fassets%2Fbookart%2Fgifts%2FDCB-OceanColors-Combo.png&#038;rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidsbooks.com%2Fgifts-for-baby%2Focean-colors&#038;size=148.1KB&#038;name=Check+out+the+whole+Peek-A-Boo&#038;p=rag+books+under+the+sea&#038;oid=7c27aea56193ea54920a6ea3bbb4a375&#038;fr2=piv-web&#038;fr=iphone&#038;tt=Check+out+the+whole+Peek-A-Boo&#038;b=0&#038;ni=21&#038;no=44&#038;ts=&#038;tab=organic&#038;sigr=11k47rh91&#038;sigb=13if9j5el&#038;sigi=120baaenm&#038;sigt=10uia3327&#038;sign=10uia3327&#038;.crumb=NTOx2kWFfH/&#038;fr=iphone&#038;fr2=piv-web</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658435 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:43:42 +0000 mrswin 2658435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: Have toy tried lift-the-flap or other sensory type books? My daughter used to only like these type of books at that age. We didn't worry about reading an actual story, we would just look at the pictures and say the animal or thing. Here are a couple of her favourites.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Babys-Friends-Catherine-Hellier/dp/0764145401" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.ca/Babys-Friends-Catherine-Hellier/dp/0764145401</a><br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Tails-Matthew-Van-Fleet/dp/0152167730" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.ca/Tails-Matthew-Van-Fleet/dp/0152167730</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toddler-doesnt-like-reading#post-2658425 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 07:24:32 +0000 ValentineMommy 2658425@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looking for some advice.</p> <p>My 16m old does not like reading at all! Firstly, it's a struggle just to get him to sit. Then, if he is in the mood, he just wants to turn the pages and doesn't let me actually read anything. We've tried so. many. different. books.</p> <p>My older son loved to read and would ask for more and more books, so this is totally new to me. Any tips/advice/commiseration on how to get him into books a little more? He still only has a few words, so I'm hoping this would help with his language skills too! </p>