I’m in need of some advice of how to teach my child how to read. She is only 9 years of age. I am having a problem because I run my own business, and sometimes I come home very tired and late, the time we spend together is not enough, and I don’t know which books can help her to read. I have tried the library, but I don’t think it’s helping.

I know how exhausting it can be after a day’s work to start homework and reading help, but it is so important that you find the time to do it! You mentioned that she is 9, that’s pretty old to be struggling with reading concepts. Now is the time to act.

Make sure that she knows all of her letters and sounds. Start blending those sounds into simple phonetic words like cat, hat, mat, pat, bat, etc. Then when she has that blending concept down solid, introduce simple phonetic readers. Go to your local library and ask specifically for phonetic readers. They should be able to help you. Also let her see you reading. Children will use you as an example. After you help her with her reading work, pick a fun picture book, favorite story, etc., and read it to her. Children learn much about our language by hearing the written words in stories.

Don’t wait, now is the time—find the time and you will be forever grateful that you put forth the effort as the world of reading becomes available to your daughter. Good luck and enjoy the process of working with your child.