Little and often: using reading to boost your child’s confidence and future

When we think about giving our children the best start in life, there is one low‑cost, high‑impact solution that stands out: reading together.

This July, the government urged families to swap scrolling for stories, encouraging parents to read regularly with their children. It’s part of a wider “Plan for Change” that aims to boost reading enjoyment and close the gap in life chances.

As Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson states in the article, reading with your child is “one of the most powerful things” you can do to support their learning. We couldn’t agree more.

Why reading matters

The government’s new campaign, ahead of the National Year of Reading in 2025–2026, highlights some urgent challenges:

• Currently, only one in three 8 to 18-year-olds says they enjoy reading in their free time.
• Reading ability is closely tied to future earnings, well-being and opportunities.
• Children who are regularly read to at home are more likely to succeed at school, regardless of their background.

Put simply, getting your child to enjoy reading isn’t just a bonus; it’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to build their confidence and set them up for success. At Atom, we see this every day. Strong reading habits fuel progress in comprehension, reasoning, and wider learning. That’s why reading sits at the heart of our approach, from tailored English practice to vocabulary-rich mock tests.

How you can help

1. 10 minutes a day can change everything

As Bridget Phillipson reminds us in the article, “By making reading a daily habit, even just 10 minutes a day, we can help give kids the best start in life”.

Those few minutes of shared reading build far more than vocabulary. They strengthen your child’s focus, help them recognise patterns in language, and improve their comprehension.

Over time, this supports everything from better SAS scores to stronger reasoning skills and greater confidence in written work.

2. Lead by example

Children are natural imitators; they often mirror the habits and behaviours they see at home. You’ve probably noticed it in the way they pick up your phrases or mimic your routines. When it comes to reading, it’s no different.

If your child regularly sees you enjoying a book, a magazine, or even a newspaper, they begin to see reading as something valuable and enjoyable, not just another task. Research shows they’re 40% more likely to pick up the habit themselves if you’re modelling it.

You don’t have to make a big show of it. Simply being visible while reading at the breakfast table, during quiet time, or winding down before bed can have an impact. Let your child ask questions about what you’re reading, share a funny line or an interesting fact, or talk about why you’re enjoying the story.

Want to take it a step further? Try reading the same book as your child. It doesn’t need to be a formal book club, just reading side by side and chatting about a chapter afterwards builds connection and helps them think more deeply about the story.

The key is consistency and enthusiasm. If your child sees that reading matters to you, they’re far more likely to see the value in it for themselves.

3. Make reading feel like a treat, not a task

If reading starts to feel like a chore, children are less likely to stick with it. The key is to keep it fun, engaging, and led by their interests. When reading feels like something to look forward to, not something they have to do, it becomes a habit that sticks.

• Choose stories that spark your child’s curiosity.

• Encourage them to read aloud, even when they can do it themselves.

• Ask questions related to the book, such as, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character would you be?” These questions grow critical thinking and emotional awareness.

4. Introduce reading as part of family life

Share audiobooks in the car, keep a bookshelf at home, join the Summer Reading Challenge, or browse your local library together.

From the 72,000 books given away this year to local library events happening year-round, community initiatives are helping build a rich and inspiring reading culture.

Reading isn’t just about paper. E‑books, magazines, graphic novels, and even podcasts count. The Year of Reading campaign specifically encourages a modern, flexible definition of reading, helping children feel it’s relevant and accessible to them and their daily routine.

5. Celebrate effort, not just ability

Reading isn’t a race. Whether your child is whizzing through chapter books or still sounding out words, your encouragement makes all the difference.

Celebrate the small wins: finishing a tricky page, tackling a new word, choosing to read without being asked. These moments build confidence and resilience. By focusing on effort over outcomes, you’re helping your child develop a growth mindset, one that will benefit them across every subject, not just English.