Jan. 28, 2023
Since the beginning of the school year, my son, Oliver, has made tremendous strides in his reading abilities. He’s transitioned from hesitating to read aloud in class to eagerly pointing out words in everyday life and ensuring he’s reading them correctly. Witnessing this transformation has been truly rewarding. Although I never stressed about him lagging behind in some arbitrary developmental timeline, it’s immensely satisfying to see his progress. I look forward to the day he reads independently and can explore the books that shaped my childhood.
However, as with any new skill, there are certain downsides to consider. Here are the pros and cons of your child learning to read:
Pro: Peaceful Moments!
Oliver has reached a stage where he can occasionally lose himself in a book quietly. This is akin to a miracle—I can hardly express how wonderful it is to see him not only occupy himself but do so in silence.
Con: Spelling Challenges
While I’m thrilled that Oliver can read, it does complicate daily life. With reading comes spelling, and with spelling, the end of one of parenting’s classic strategies: discreetly spelling out words to keep secrets. Once kids learn to decipher letters, you can’t say things like “Let’s go to the M-O-V-I-E-S” without risking an awkward inquiry about inappropriate words.
Pro: A World of Books Awaits
Reading opens up an expansive universe for children. I can’t wait for Oliver to discover his favorite stories, from magical realms like Hogwarts and Narnia to thrilling tales by authors such as Stephen King and Anne Rice (though perhaps I’ll hold off on those until he’s older). I’ve already started sharing some of my favorite films with him, and I can’t wait to introduce him to my beloved books too.
Con: More Stuff to Manage
The list of items I need to remember for Oliver’s backpack has become overwhelming. Water bottles, assignment folders, and various toys already fill the bag, and now I have to remember to add books that need to be returned to school or the library. It’s exhausting!
Pro: The Joy of Reading
Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to countless opportunities, and it’s exhilarating to watch your child reach this milestone. It’s a transformative ability that will change his life in ways he may not even realize, and it’s enjoyable too! I look forward to all the benefits that come with it.
Con: He Can Read Everything
With reading comes the ability to decipher anything in sight, including TV guides and Netflix titles. Those blissful moments of scrolling past questionable kids’ movies are gone; Oliver now insists on knowing what everything is about and often wants to watch films that are far from enjoyable, like a movie about a snail competing in the Indy 500.
Much like other milestones—walking, talking, etc.—I have come to recognize that reading is a double-edged sword. While it’s essential for independence and offers countless benefits, it also comes with challenges. Thankfully, those precious moments of quiet make it all worthwhile.
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Summary:
Learning to read is a significant milestone for children, offering numerous benefits such as quiet time and access to a world of literature. However, it also brings challenges like managing new responsibilities and navigating the complexities of spelling. As with any new skill, the advantages and disadvantages must be balanced.