Why Releasing the Pressure to “Catch Up” Matters: Reading Strategies For Struggling Readers
Does it feel like there’s a clock ticking on your child’s reading progress? Are you often frantically searching the internet for proven reading strategies for struggling readers? For parents, the pressure to help your child “catch up” in reading can be overwhelming, but here’s the truth: it’s not about catching up.
It’s about growing at your child’s pace.
Let's dig into why letting go of the “catch-up” mindset is crucial for your child’s well-being and how to focus instead on meaningful, sustainable growth.
The Problem with the “Catch-Up” Mentality
When we’re focused on catching up, we’re often comparing our child to others or to an arbitrary standard. This can make reading feel like a race, which adds stress for both you and your child.
Reading isn’t a race; it’s a journey. And when we shift our focus to steady progress instead of benchmarks, we create an environment where children feel safe to learn and grow.
Actionable Steps to Shift Your Mindset
Focus on Growth Goals: Instead of thinking, “My child needs to read at grade level,” set goals that meet them where they are. For example, “This month, we’ll work on blending sounds.”
Celebrate Success of All Sizes: Progress happens one step at a time. When your child masters a new word or reads a full sentence, celebrate it. These moments build momentum.
If you've followed along with me for a while, you've probably heard me say: Success breeds momentum; momentum breeds magic.
It's like a snowball- the more you keep rolling it, the bigger and stronger it gets! Even if it doesn't come together quickly, or if it takes a lot of effort, or forces you to trudge through some tricky terrain... it's growing!
A Path Forward
No matter what the root causes of your child's reading struggles, the best strategies for struggling readers will lead with connection and follow with targeted interventions. Your child can meet. with success when the right interventions and mindsets are in place.
When I work with parents of struggling readers, I love to form a community of honest support. A space full of connection and growth that helps us all bust through the myths holding us back from being fully present with our kids as they learn to read. We focus on creating personalized reading plans that prioritize steady growth and celebrate every milestone, and parents learn how to support your child in a way that feels empowering and joyful.
To begin busting through the myths that might be holding you and your child back from the reading growth you deserve to see, download my free Myth Buster Guide and trade pressure for presence.
Letting go of the pressure to catch up isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your child. When you focus on growth, you’ll see their confidence and skills soar.
This week, choose one small, growth-focused goal to work on together. Celebrate the journey, and watch your child thrive.
Want to join a community of change-makers dedicated to helping ALL of our children learn to read, and read well?
Check out the most supportive, joyful, and loving Facebook group for parents of struggling readers on this side of the internet!
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