I was reading reviews for a children’s book on Amazon and came across something that I found slightly disturbing: In one of the comments, a parent was upset about the subject matter of the book, which she only found out about when she asked her daughter to summarize the book for her.
In other words, she hadn’t first read the book that she allowed her ten year old daughter to read. Not only that, some of the parents were reading the book for the first time while reading it to their children.
I’m not a parent, but I do have a young niece and nephew. Frankly, reading a story to either of them would not be the first time I was hearing about it because I would have made it a point to read the book and make sure it was appropriate beforehand.
So, this is a question for the parents who read and have children who enjoy reading (or having books read to them), am I wrong for thinking it’s logical to read the book and approve it’s subject matter before reading it to your child or allowing your child to read it (or, at very least, reading various reviews and summaries)? If not, why not?
Not trying to call anyone out specifically, just trying to get a better understanding of what goes into parenting a budding bibliophile.
(I’m not necessarily speaking about school assigned reading plans because, in general, I leave it up to and trust the best judgment of the teacher when it comes to their class’ sensibilities. Of course, that’s a whole other kettle of water. And by child, I don’t mean teenager—I’m speaking in terms of elementary and middle school kids.)
# Nicole wrote on October 15, 2009 at 8:58 am:
I have a young cousin whom I gift with books regularly and I always read them before she does- just to be prepared for anything she might have questions about, or in some cases to consult with her mother to see if she is comfortable with her reading certain things.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Tell Me Something True, by Leila Cobo =-.
# Audrey wrote on October 15, 2009 at 11:59 am:
I don’t have a child, but I would be inclined to agree with you. If I ever have a child, I will certainly read a book before letting them read it, unless it’s by an author I know and trust or recommended by a reliable source.
If thre’s a chance I wouldn’t be cool with the content for my child, I’m reading it first.
But then, I’m not a mother. And if my mother had done the same thing for me when I was 10, she would have been reading a LOT of books!
.-= Audrey´s last blog ..Old Reviews (2): Plum Wine by Angela Davis-Gardner and the Princess Diaries 10 by Meg Cabot =-.
# Jackie (Literary Escapism) wrote on October 15, 2009 at 8:21 pm:
You know, as a mother of a 2.5 year old, I haven’t made up my mind on this issue yet. I understand why some people would want to know what their child is reading, but kids are going to read whatever they want regardless of what we say. I also think the kids will typically read what they grew up around and I would have no problem letting my son read any form of fantasy.
I asked my husband this question and he gave me the weirdest look. He and I are on the same page as wanting to know what the book is and maybe checking out the author, but I doubt either of us will read a book before allowing Ian to. I mean, I don’t have enough time to read the books I do want to read…
.-= Jackie (Literary Escapism)´s last blog ..First Drop of Crimson!!! =-.
# Sandra wrote on October 16, 2009 at 8:11 am:
I am a middle school teacher. You would not believe some of the books my students bring in. When I call home to see if the parent actually approved the book and hear them say yes, I am often appalled. When I describe the content, usually sexual in nature they seem shocked. They saw their child reading and were thrilled. After all the book was purchased for my intensive reading class. They never thought to read the back or read through part of it. Nothing goes on my shelves at school or is given away to family or friends with out my first reading it because I don’t want to be responsible for giving someone inappropriate or offensive material. Parents really need to be more involved in what their children are reading.