How can library books teach parents to value kids? I asked my librarian friend, Terri. First, she started with library books and disrespect. Perhaps you can guess what she said.
How Parents Disrespect Kids with Library Books:
T - When parents ask me to recommend difficult books that will boost their kids' grades, I feel uncomfortable.
J. - What do you mean?
T. - Too many parents are over-concerned about school grades.
J. - What's wrong with that?
T. - These parents are missing the point. Parents ought to be teaching their kids to love reading not the opposite.
How Parents Respect Kids with Library Books:
T. - When children are young, they ought to sit on their parents' laps and read fun books. Why? Children feel loved by parents when sitting close to them. They attach the loving attention to fun stories. This is the best way to get kids to love books.
J. - What if the kids are too old for laps?
T. - Then read cool books with them at bedtime. Parents can add wonderful vocal expression or even share reading every other page with their kids.
J. - As a school librarian, how do you know if parents respect their kids?
T. - Parents ask for easier books that kids love to read.
J. - As a former teacher, I know what you mean, Terri. I would tell parents to help their kids pick out entertaining books that are easy to read at home. "These books are for fun and enjoyment because you want your children to love reading."
T. - That's right, Jean. I also advise parents to allow young and older kids to read picture books. Many picture books have beautiful illustrations that tell wonderful stories. They're great for the imagination too. Kids can make up their own stories from the pictures.
Conclusion ~ How Library Books Can Help Parents to Value Kids
I left Terri thinking, 'When parents pick difficult books to boost their child's school grades, kids could think reading isn't worth the strugge. Parents could be teaching their children to dislike reading. How could that possibly boost school grades?'
Of course, school teachers must encourage kids to increase their reading abilities. Teachers are trained. They use fun techniques, group levels for kids, and special reading books.
At home the story is different. Library books are for pleasure reading. What a fun way for parents to value their kids!
What about you? What do you think? Please comment in the comment link below. When you do, I'll send you a gift with 7 Parenting Tips for Encouraging Respectful Behavior.
With warm wishes,
Jean Tracy, MSS
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