Getting a young child interested in reading can be quite a journey, especially when the child has unique preferences and challenges. From my experience, patience and creating a calm, comfortable environment for reading are key. My son, like many toddlers, sometimes resists when I read to him, and it’s important to honor his feelings while gently encouraging the habit. Using books that match his interests, like dinosaurs, has helped spark his curiosity. For example, we often choose dinosaur-themed books or library books, which keeps the reading sessions exciting and relevant for him. I also make sure to keep our reading time short and sweet, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming or forced. Integrating reading into our daily routine around therapy appointments, school runs, and other activities can be tricky, but carving out small “pocket” moments has made a difference. Sometimes, this means grabbing a cup of coffee for myself to relax while we enjoy a book together. Although there are days when my son doesn’t feel like engaging, I keep in mind that consistent exposure to books is valuable even if he doesn’t always seem to love it at the moment. I’ve learned not to pressure him when he’s sensitive to noise or interruptions; instead, I try to be flexible and responsive. Using reading as a shared quiet time rather than a task creates positive associations. Plus, having a subscription to monthly book boxes like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives us a steady supply of new and interesting books to explore. In summary, encouraging a toddler to enjoy reading involves patience, matching books to their interests, creating consistent but gentle routines, and accepting that progress unfolds at their own pace. My experience has shown that even small moments of connection around books can fuel a lifelong love of reading.