My son doesn't want to read with me

[Grumblestiltskin]

My two year old is just not interested in sitting down with me and reading a book. He will happily sit down with my partner with quite a long book but refuses to read even a short one with me.

I am currently home educating my six year old as we were unable to get him into a good school. I taught him how to read and he loves reading. I don't understand where I'm going wrong with my youngest.

I feel like I?m missing out when I see my partner reading with him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Is he sensing that you have a hidden agenda i.e. that you want to teach him to read?
DCs are quick to pick up things that are not said. Are you trying to make it too worthy and serious? I would try a funny book with lots of bits that he could join in and do funny voices etc and get him hooked.

I read to dd in the bath and that would carry over into bedtime stories where we would cuddle up and I would mark the line I was on with my finger if she wanted to follow the writing rather than look at the pictures. That's how she learnt to read.

I still read to her in the bath (and quite often in bed too).

I wouldn't worry about 'teaching' him to read. Just read to him and if he's in the bath he's a captive audience isn't he?

I may be way out of line here, sorry if so, but any chance he's a bit jealous of your older dc? Getting more of mummys time due to the homeschooling? Just a thought.

Maybe it is the opposite-he has seen the homeschooling and doesn't want it. I would try at bedtime-they are usual keen to put off going to sleep.

I appreciate it may be a bit hurtful, but it's not doing your DS any harm. It may simply be that he's going through a phase of preferring his dad. And it's really good that his dad has the time and inclination. Many children (one of mine included), go through a phase of preferring one parent over the other. It will pass

This isn't really about reading because he will learn to read, it's about your feeling hurt that he is rejecting doing something with you which you value. I think.

I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. Sorry for not replying earlier. I don't think he's jealous of the home schooling and I'm not trying to teach him to read. I just want to be able to sit down and read a short book to him. He just seems to not be interested and is more eager in jumping up and down. Even my six year is able to read to him.

I'm going to try your idea picesmoon, and see if he's more interested at bed time. Thank you again everyone.

Are you being silly enough while reading? Is there a best 'calm' time to read to him? Also try giving him his milk and a nice snack while you read together.