When They Stop Sounding Out… and Start Needing You in New Ways

“Dad, I already read that bit.”
That’s what my 7-year-old told me the other night, sprawled on the sofa, book in hand, legs tangled in a blanket like a miniature philosopher.

He wasn’t being cheeky. He was just stating a fact. A fact I wasn’t quite ready for.

As a primary school teacher, I thought I’d know exactly how to support my own kids with reading. But being a teacher and being a parent? Two very different jobs.

At school, I have a plan. A strategy. A whole class of children I’m used to guiding through every reading milestone. At home, it’s me, my son who’s becoming more independent with books, and my 3-year-old who’s only just discovering what a letter even is. Oh, and usually someone’s spilled juice on the carpet.

Who Am I?

I’m a dad of two—one’s seven, the other three. I’m also a primary teacher.
My seven-year-old has just hit that magical phase where he’s really reading now—chapter books, funny stories, and graphic novels. He’s reading fluently, which is great… but now what?

He doesn’t need me to help him decode words anymore. He’s not asking what “b-r-i-ck” spells. Instead, he’s zooming through pages—and I’m left wondering, “Is he actually understanding this?”

And then there’s my three-year-old. Not reading yet, but she’s ready. She’s asking what letters say, pointing to print on cereal boxes, and “reading” picture books by memory. I want to catch this moment before it slips away—to build the joy before the pressure kicks in.

Why I’m Writing This Blog

This blog is me documenting the ups, the downs, and the “should I be doing more?” moments of helping my own kids become readers—not just able to read, but actually enjoying it.

And I know I’m not alone.

There are loads of parents out there—maybe you’re one of them—who want to support their kids with reading but aren’t quite sure how. Maybe you’re busy, or maybe you’re not a big reader yourself. Maybe your child’s already reading well and you’re thinking, “Do they even need me now?”

The answer is yes. Just in different ways.

💡 What I’ve Learned So Far

Here’s where I’m starting—and a few things I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way):

1. Fluent readers still need deep reading help

Just because they can read the words doesn’t mean they understand the humour, the themes, or the twist ending. Asking simple questions like, “What was your favourite part?” or “Why do you think he did that?” helps keep me in the loop without taking over.

2. Little ones learn through talking

With my 3-year-old, it’s all about chatting. “What do you think will happen next?” “Can you spot the letter ‘S’?” It’s not a lesson—it’s a game. And she loves it.

3. Reading doesn’t have to look like school

Sometimes it’s comics. Sometimes it’s reading instructions to build a LEGO spaceship. Sometimes it’s retelling a story at bedtime with her favourite teddy as the main character. It all counts.

What’s Next?

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing:

• The books that have actually kept my kids engaged

• How I sneak reading into everyday life

• What I’ve tried that worked—and what totally flopped

• How to help kids move from “reading the words” to really getting the story

• Where to begin if your little one is just starting out

And I’d love for you to come along with me.

Your Turn

If you’re trying to raise a reader at home—whether they’re sounding out “cat” or flying through Harry Potter—I see you. It’s not always easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated either.

This week, try this:
Pick any book your child loves, sit beside them, and just ask one curious question. Nothing fancy. Just show them you care about what they’re reading.

And if you’ve got a tip, a question, or a “you won’t believe what my kid said” story—drop it in the comments. Let’s build this community together.

We’re all figuring it out as we go.

— A Dad, a Teacher, and a Big Believer in Bedtime Stories
For ReadUp