How to Read Patterns

I guess at first glance, patterns look like they're written in a foreign language, or maybe gibberish. I remember one time, working on a project in front of a friend who didn't crochet. He asked how I knew what stitch to make next. I said from the pattern, and showed him the book, which he picked up and was amazed that I could read. He said it didn't look like English. Another friend, who does crochet took the pattern from him and proceeded to read it out loud. I don't think he ever did believe us. That was over 10 years ago.
More recently, I taught Mom to crochet, but she still doesn't read patterns. She seems content to only make plarn rugs and plarn bags. I've tried to interest her in other projects, thinking she MUST be getting bored (I know I would be). Apparently not.
The abbreviations are the first hurdle. Grandma taught me to crochet before I could read, so I had to learn how to read before I could read patterns. That was a long time ago, but I still remember reading patterns with a list of abbreviations beside the pattern. That was years ago, long before the internet, so most patterns were only in purchased books. Most books had a list of abbreviations used in the patterns in the book. Over the years, these abbreviations have become standardized, so lists have become unnecessary, at least for experienced crocheters.
The only other advice is: when, at the end of a row, or a round, a number of stitches or spaces is given, COUNT! Make sure your work is accurate. Better to find out now, rather in 2 or 3 rows when the mistake has compounded and you have to rip out so many more stitches.
Happy crocheting!