As a mother of two, one of whom is 11 years old, I’ve witnessed firsthand the joy that reading brings to my son. Recently, he has been sharing his favorite books with me, and I couldn’t be happier. Our mutual love for reading has created a bond that transcends our common interests in TV shows and movies. Because of him, I’ve delved into the enthralling world of the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and the remarkable narrative of Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
When I reflect on the books I cherished at his age, it strikes me that many weren’t strictly categorized as “children’s literature.” Sure, I adored Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, and the charming Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Yet, I also had access to a diverse collection of books that greatly shaped my understanding of the world, all without anyone dictating what I could or couldn’t read.
In my childhood home, there was a dedicated room filled with toys and shelves overflowing with books. No one ever instructed me to read them, but I explored those shelves, eagerly consuming everything from Howard Pyle’s The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood to John Irving’s The World According to Garp, which has remained a cherished favorite. I immersed myself in Greek mythology, Aesop’s Fables, and works by E.L. Doctorow and Kurt Vonnegut. The 1970s were an era of exploration; I even found myself engrossed in I’m OK, You’re OK by Thomas Harris, among others.
Books were omnipresent in my life, and there were no restrictions on what I could explore. My parents had excellent taste, which helped guide me toward quality literature. This unfiltered access to books allowed me to discover stories that captured my imagination and expanded my worldview.
While I keep a close eye on what my son watches on television and what video games he plays, I believe it’s time to grant him unrestricted access to my bookshelf. Sure, some of the books may contain themes of violence or complex topics he hasn’t encountered yet, but that’s precisely the beauty of reading. It prompts us to consider these subjects at our own pace, fostering empathy and allowing us to engage with the material on a deeper level. Unlike movies or TV, which present a story from an outside perspective, books immerse us in the minds of the characters, letting us live their experiences alongside them.
I won’t dictate what he should read; instead, I’ll encourage him to choose freely, whether it’s a book he finds intriguing or one that piques his curiosity. If he decides he’s not interested, he can easily set it aside, and I won’t press him for an explanation.
My experiences with “adult” literature never haunted me; books don’t leave the same scars as a frightening movie or an inappropriate scene can. It’s all about the reader’s interpretation. Allow your children to stumble upon books on their own. Let them sneak a peek at your bedside table or discover a title in a drawer. If you keep your collection in a designated area, leave the door open. With a bit of luck, they’ll wander in and find something that sparks their interest.
For more insights on parenting and education, check out this related post on Cervical Insemination that discusses the importance of nurturing curiosity in our children. Additionally, if you’re looking for resources on at-home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom, a reliable retailer for insemination kits. For further reading on fertility, Medical News Today offers a wealth of information that may be helpful.
In summary, fostering a love for reading in children often involves providing them with access to a wide array of literature, including those outside their typical age range. Allowing them to explore freely can enrich their understanding of the world and encourage empathy as they engage with diverse perspectives.
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