I was talking with my mom today about Banned Book week. The first thing we were talking about was a comment I read on another blog about Banned Book week. In the comment, the person said there had not been a book banned in the U.S. for over 50 years. The first thought I had was "Where were you that you missed the Harry Potter hubbub?" Granted, not a very nice thought. But it's nicer than some other ones I've had when it comes to this subject. But, we were talking about that.
Which led to the discussion about what I read when I was growing up. See I have always been a reader. Not to brag or anything, but I read well above my grade level throughout school. I read well enough that by the time I was in about 6th grade, my dad would read a book and then hand it to me. So, literally, my parents knew every word of what I tended to read.
But that discussion led me to this thought. Why are people attempting to ban books because "they are inappropriate for children"? Why are people not just monitoring what their kids read? Why not sit down and have a discussion about what was in the book rather than assume the book is influencing the child in some way? And if the book really is inappropriate for the child, why not take the book away from the child until such time that it is appropriate?
My 5 minutes is up.
Be sure to check out the other responses to the prompt at Notebook Sisters.
That's a good point. I think parents don't all bother to see what their kids are reading. I think there's a point where monitered reading becomes annoying, but it's definitely good. I have Cait to moniter my reading. :) Most of the books I read she's already read. Nice and convenient. :)
ReplyDeleteWorks well to find out if the book is worth it, doesn't it? And I know monitored reading can get annoying - but to me it's part of being a parent. I also think it sets a better example for the kids. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI agree. And it's also a great solution to the "sketchy" books that come out for children these days. It really ticks me off when people say "Oh, that's a really bad book. Don't read it." And then you ask why, and they can't tell you because THEY haven't read it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your stream!! :)
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this post. And I agree, it is frustrating to get comments from people bashing something they haven't actually taken the time to check out. Look at what it is you're bashing first!
DeleteYou know what book has given me the most trouble with my kids so far? The Bible. No lie.
ReplyDeleteThey have a little LEGO book with a bunch of stories from Genesis (to be fair, I think the book was intended for an older audience, it's just the kids found it on Robin's bookshelf, and I realized the "danger" too late), and they keep wanting me to read the story about Sodom and Gomorrah. Yeah, that's an easy one to explain. Or how about the one where Noah gets drunk and embarrasses his kids with his nakedness?
And yet, the Bible doesn't generally end up on anyone's list. I figure, answer a kid's questions honestly, keep an eye on what they're reading, and use the opportunity to explain why your values might differ from the author's/characters'.
LOL. In a way, though, I'm not surprised. Look at what happens with so many of the stories in the Bible. Talk about violence and sexual references. But that's just it, isn't it. Talking to them about it and discussing what they've read and how it compares to real life to me is the better way to go for what it can teach the kids.
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