Toddler hates books

[Starrienightskye]

I’ve read to him since shortly after birth, but he isn’t interested and has started taking the book off me when I start to read it to him and putting it back on the bookshelf.

He used to enjoy books with a sound or touch or lift the flap but he doesn’t even like those now. Has anyone else had this?

We went through this, I was surprised as my dd loved books, I'd get 20 from the shelf and we would just sit and read them for an hour. DS did get there at around 2 and a half though, he's much better if we don't do any tv all week but offer books regularly. He also preferred different places to read - at the dining table for example, or sitting on the stairs.

Does he use screens, especially hand held screens , such as iPads, phones? NO books will have be able to compete with the adrenaline and fast pace of animations be it games or videos. So if this is the case, cut the screens for 1 week.
Does he see you reading?

No to both as a rule. I’d love to sit down with a book but not really conducive when he’s around

It is a shame as he has loads of books but he just doesn’t really seem to want to read them any more.

Maybe he sees the book as competition. He wants to play with you, but you keep picking up a 'boring' book when he wants to do something more active.

Possibly - he’s certainly physical!

We have had this a bit, but it’s not about the book, it’s about the fact that DD can be in charge of something. She enjoys then saying “no thank you mummy” and putting the book back.

We now do the choice thing of saying - it’s time for reading now, do you want to read hairy mclairy or mr magnolia? And let her choose.

But tbh I think this stuff is often a phase and it’s ok to be interested in other toys, I’m sure it will come back

Can you take him to the library and let him choose some books?

Errr I think he’d just run round and throw books around!

We went through this for a little bit. He's nearly 4 now and loves books again (phase only lasted maybe a couple of months if that)

Hope it’s short lived! He wouldn’t entertain any books where it is was just the story - needed some lift the flap or touch and feel aspect - but now is even bored of those.

Maybe keep books for bedtime then, when he's tired and relaxed.

I do as a rule but he isn’t a tired nodding off sort he is a tired over excited sort.

Don't worry, my DS always threw books away, when my nephews always loved a story.

I've consistently read to him every day and when he learnt to read he's read on his own every night without fail. He's now described as an excellent reader by his teacher, routine is key I think.

I’d just make sure books are accessible (not on a high shelf) and then do something else eg tell a story yourself at bedtime rather than reading a book. Trying to force it won’t help. Have another go in a few weeks.

When are you you reading? Do you ask him I he wants to or do you just grab a book and decide it’s reading time?
We generally read at least once a day before bed - I wouldn’t imagine my toddler putting the book back then, it’s part of the routine and he knows the next step is just going to sleep. But if I got a book out in the middle of the day and he preferred to be playing with his dinosaurs or whatever I can imagine he would just walk off or say no or as you said put the book back as if to say ‘now’s not the time, mum.’ I might suggest reading a book but I wouldn’t think to strongly persuade him to read a book in the day anymore than I would say you should now now play with your lego or you need to now do some colouring.

@EV117 we read twice a day when I’m at home with him. Just once at nursery. Before bed/naps. Sometimes he brings books to me (or used to!) and I’d read them.

Of course we shouldn’t interrupt other activities but I do obviously want his language skills to develop as well as possible.

I do as a rule but he isn’t a tired nodding off sort he is a tired over excited sort.

Maybe it’s more to do with your bedtime routine then? Trying to build up a way for him to be more calm?

@EV117 we read twice a day when I’m at home with him. Just once at nursery. Before bed/naps.

I wonder if he just doesn’t want to go to sleep? Book = going to bed. So he puts the book away - maybe he’s protesting about going to bed rather than the reading in itself.

So I take back my first comment 😄 maybe don’t have books associated so much with sleeping and do encourage a bit more at random times in the day or in different places, reading outside or going to the library.

I’m happy with the bedtime routine tbh. I think it’s just his personality. Some kids fall asleep when tired but some get worked up and over excited and silly - i definitely have the latter!

Maybe he wants some new books 🙂
How about a comic? There's loads of toddler ones out there.

Or maybe he just doesn't really like books? It's not a crime. My DS hates messy play and anything crafty. It's just who he is!

He’s got loads of them, honestly. I’ve had to buy just the lift the flap / touch/feel/sound ones. He does like one but it makes a sound and he won’t read it - just keep grabbing it and making the car engine rev and has now broken it 😩😩

Will try reading at random times of day with him.

It’s not a crime but it is something I want to encourage. It’s fine if he doesn’t like some types of books but for language and motor skills reading is brilliant.

My DD4 has never really been into books. Preschool teacher has said not to push it and to just go with what she likes which is pop up/lift flat, non fiction (which is frustrating because I love all the Julia Donaldson books), and she loves to sit down and talk through the family photobooks I've made, so has taken then in to school a few times to go through them with TA.