Dear Family Coach: I feel one of my great failures as a parent is that my kids are not readers. They spend tons of time on their phones, like most other kids, and they diligently complete their homework. But free time is never spent reading. When I impose reading time, it feels like a punishment rather than a pleasure, which seems counterproductive. Any tips? — Reading Mama

Dear Mama: Give yourself and your kids a break. The joy of reading comes naturally to some children. Others may not see the benefits for years to come, if ever. While being able to read is important, a love of reading isn't required to have a life filled with happiness and success.

You didn't mention any academic issues, so I am going to assume your children are perfectly adequate readers. It sounds like you just wish they loved books like you do.

Well, they don't. As you have observed, you cannot make them love books. Forcing reading time on them makes reading feel like a chore, and no one likes chores. Deal with your own sadness over their lack of enthusiasm toward books before they decide to avoid reading just to spite you.

However, continue to model reading behavior. Have books around in the car, on the coffee table and by the bedside. Think outside the box for reading choices. Comic books, graphic novels, the Guinness World Records book, an atlas and an almanac might be loved by your kids. Remember, reading is reading. Oh, and don't forget to try audiobooks. If you want them to love stories, then worry less about the actual reading and try listening instead.

Dear Family Coach: My kid is the kindest soul you will ever meet. He's sensitive, almost to a fault. I worry the world will eat him alive. How can I make him more street-smart without undermining his essential sweetness? — Sweet Boy's Mom

Dear Mom: Don't try to toughen up your boy. He sounds like he has a special quality that you should work to preserve. For some reason, kindness is often seen as a weakness. That's a mistake. Your son may not care whether he loses more than he gains. He may not worry about what's fair for himself. That's because he may not experience those losses as you would. He would probably rather give away his shirt to a scammer than never share anything at all.

Sure, he will have his heart broken, and some may take advantage of him. Deal with that as it comes. Support him and empathize with his feelings, but don't change him. You can help him more by working through any feelings of frustration or sadness. It might be hard for your son to handle the inequities of life due to his sensitivity. If he becomes overwhelmed, find a good therapist. But whatever you do, let him be who he is.

While there may be many people who could take your son for all he's worth, others will gravitate toward his humanity. The world needs more people like your boy. Let's set him free in society and help him rally the troops to end homelessness or poverty, or solve climate change or whatever else catches his fancy. His goodness can inspire others. Give him that opportunity without offering your cynicism.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.