Learning to read does not come easily to every child. Some children need more time, practice and support before reading becomes comfortable.
But how do you know when your child may need extra help?
Here are 5 signs parents can look out for:
1. Difficulty remembering letter sounds
Your child may know the alphabet but still struggle to remember the sounds that letters represent. For example, they may know that “m” is the letter M but have difficulty remembering that it represents /m/.
2. Difficulty blending sounds
Your child may know individual sounds but find it difficult to put them together. For example: /c/ + /a/ + /t/ → cat. Blending sounds is an important part of learning to decode words.
3. Guessing words instead of reading them
Some children rely on pictures, the first letter or what “looks right” instead of looking carefully at all the letters. For example, they may see “horse” and guess “house” because the words look similar.
4. Reading is very slow or effortful
Your child may take a long time to read simple words, stop frequently or become tired after a short reading activity. They may understand what is being discussed but find the actual process of reading very difficult.
5. Avoiding reading
You may hear:
- “I don’t want to read.”
- “Reading is boring.”
- “I can’t do it.”
Avoiding reading does not necessarily mean your child is lazy or not interested in learning. Sometimes, children avoid activities that they find difficult or frustrating.
Does this mean my child has dyslexia?
Not necessarily. There can be many reasons why a child struggles with reading. However, persistent difficulties with word reading or spelling are worth paying attention to.
The International Dyslexia Association’s current definition describes dyslexia as a specific learning disability involving difficulties with word reading and/or spelling, which may affect accuracy, speed, or both.
The important question is not simply: “Does my child have dyslexia?” It is: “What is making reading difficult for my child, and what support do they need?”
What can parents do?
- Start by observing your child’s reading difficulties rather than comparing them with other children.
- Keep reading practice short and positive. Give your child opportunities to practise sounds, blending and reading words without making them feel pressured.
- If difficulties continue, consider speaking with your child’s teacher or a learning professional to understand what support may be helpful.
Early support can make a difference. At Joyeux, we believe that understanding why a child is struggling is an important first step towards helping them learn with greater confidence.
References
International Dyslexia Association. (2025). Definition of dyslexia. https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/
International Dyslexia Association. (2025). 2025 definition glossary and resources. https://dyslexiaida.org/2025-definition-glossary-and-resources/