Struggling Reader: Why Some Kids Struggle A lot of parents wonder, "Why is this so hard for my child?" The answers aren't clear, but scientists have discovered that the brain of a child with reading problems handles reading differently than that of a strong reader. Some kids have a disability that makes reading difficult to learn. Others come to school without the literacy experiences they need to become readers. Some children struggle because they've received poor or inadequate reading instruction. When these and other risk factors are identified early, though, many children's reading difficulties can be prevented. Parent Resource: Target the Problem Glossary of Reading Terms