Since the start of the school year, my first grader’s reading abilities have soared. He’s transformed from a shy reader to an enthusiastic word detective, excitedly announcing every word he spots and checking if he’s got it right. Witnessing this transformation over just a few months has been nothing short of exhilarating. While I never worried about him lagging behind in some imaginary developmental race, it’s undeniably satisfying to see his progress. I’m eager for him to keep advancing, dive into independent reading, and discover the books I cherished as a child.
However, like any new skill, there are some unexpected challenges that come with this milestone. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of your child mastering reading:
Pro: Peace and Quiet!
My 6-year-old has reached a point where he occasionally immerses himself in a book. This is a miraculous feat, akin to turning water into wine. I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful it is to have him 1) occupy himself and 2) do so quietly.
Con: Spelling Woes
I’m thrilled that my son can read, but it complicates things a bit. With reading comes spelling, and suddenly my ability to spell out clandestine plans is kaput. When he was a toddler, I could easily suggest a trip to the M-O-V-I-E-S, but now that he can string letters together, I find myself dodging questions like “What’s ‘s-e-x’?” after an adventurous spelling session. Time to start texting my spouse even when we’re in the same room!
Pro: The Joy of Books
Reading opens up an entirely new realm for children. I can’t wait for my son to find his favorite stories, whether they’re set in Hogwarts, Narnia, or maybe even the haunted realms of Stephen King (though the latter might need to wait until he’s a bit older). I’ve already started sharing some of my favorite films with him, and I can’t wait to dive into my beloved books as well.
Con: More Stuff to Manage!
The amount of gear I have to remember to stuff into my son’s backpack each night is already overwhelming. Water bottles, homework folders, mittens, and some ridiculous toy he insists on having for the bus ride… The list goes on. Now, we can add library books to return or class books to keep track of. Ugh.
Pro: The Gift of Reading!
Not only is reading a vital skill that impacts nearly every aspect of life, but it’s also an absolute joy! Watching your child reach this milestone is thrilling; it’ll change his life in ways he won’t even notice and in ways that will be monumental. Plus, it’s just plain fun! I can’t wait for him to explore the myriad benefits.
Con: He Can Read Everything
Including the TV guide and Netflix titles. No more blissful scrolling past shows like Ninjago and Rescue Bots without my little one pointing them out and clamoring to watch. Gone are the days of skimming over terrible kids’ movies on Netflix. Now, he wants to read every synopsis, and I find myself trapped into spending a precious movie night on some mind-numbing flick about a snail racing in the Indy 500.
Like many skills I once eagerly anticipated my child mastering—like walking or talking—I’ve come to realize that reading is a double-edged sword. Walking is a significant milestone, celebrated by every parent, but with it comes the chaos of running away and darting into trouble. Talking opens the door to communication, but it also means endless chatter and occasional backtalk. Fun, right?
Reading is essential and marks a major step toward independence, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Thankfully, that newfound “peace and quiet” makes it all worthwhile!
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Summary: Watching your child learn to read is a thrilling experience filled with both joy and challenges. While it opens up a world of literature and quiet time, it also brings about complications like spelling woes and more items to manage. Ultimately, the rewards of reading far outweigh the drawbacks, and the journey is just beginning.