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Why You Should Encourage Your Kids to Explore Books Beyond Their Age Group
Hey there! As a parent of two kiddos, one of whom is now 11, I’ve noticed how much joy reading brings to him. Recently, he’s been asking me to dive into some of his favorite books, and it’s been such a delight. It’s like we’ve created our own little world through stories, which is way more fun than just chatting about TV shows! Thanks to him, I’ve enjoyed the entire Percy Jackson series, and the beautiful book Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
When I think back to my own childhood reading experiences, I realize that not all the books I loved were meant for kids. Sure, I adored A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. But I also had free access to a treasure trove of books that no one ever told me to read or avoid. In my house, there was a room filled with toys and shelves brimming with books. I explored everything from Robin Hood to John Irving’s The World According to Garp, and I even tackled some pretty intense stuff like I’m OK, You’re OK by Thomas Anthony Harris (hey, it was the 70s!).
I remember one time I found a copy of Gone With the Wind in the bathroom of all places. I read it every chance I got until I reached a cliffhanger on page 1024—talk about frustrating! I had to go to the library for another copy just to find out what happened next.
Books were everywhere in my life, and I wasn’t restricted in what I could read. So, while I’m cautious about what my son watches on TV or plays in video games, I believe it’s time to open the floodgates for books. Sure, some might have violence or adult themes, but that’s part of what reading is all about: it allows us to explore complex ideas at our own pace and develop empathy.
I won’t dictate what he should read; he can pick whatever catches his eye. If he doesn’t like it, he can just put it back, and I won’t pry. I never felt scarred by the “adult” books I read—books have a way of inviting interpretation that can be deeply personal and meaningful.
Let your kids have the freedom to discover books on their own. They might sneak them from your bedside or think they’ve found hidden gems. Just keep your books accessible, and who knows? They might wander in and explore.
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Summary
Encouraging children to read books beyond their age group can foster empathy and allow them to explore complex themes at their own pace. By providing unrestricted access to books, parents can help cultivate a lifelong love for reading.