I recently read a lovely post on the To Become Mum blog about reading and books, which mentioned a study by Littlewoods on the subject. It caught my eye because of her passion for books, and her feelings mirror my own.
So I decided to write my own post, after finding the stats a hard read. 2000 parents were surveyed, with just 64 per cent of them read their children bedtime stories, and a quarter of a million under 7's don't earn a single book. The survey hints at parenting issues, stress, lack of time, and an apathy toward reading from children more interested in television and computer games.
Tastes change, and with so many distractions on the market as well, not everyone will grow up with a love of books, and keep on being a bookworm into adulthood. Although me and my sister both liked being read to when we were younger and read at an early age, I was always more into books than she was. These days my sister might read the odd magazine - or look at picture books with my nephew, but her interest in reading waned quite a while ago.
That's just something that happens in life I, but I will always be grateful to my parents for introducing me to books at a young age, and encouraging my reading as I grew older. I just think there is a joy in books, sharing other people's imagination, reading more about your interests, and although it may sound a bit boring, it did help a lot with school work as well.
I remember reading the Village With Three Corners books in infant school, progressing up the reading levels in junior school, then pretty much reading every Famous Five, Secret Seven, and Sweet Valley High book going.
Which makes me pretty much a traditionalist, as I think part of the joy in books is choosing them from a bookshelf or visiting a library. When it comes to books on animals, crafts, or one of my other hobbies, there's nothing quite like large glossy pictures as well. Which is why, although I appreciate the technology, I'm not a Kindle convert, and was a bit sad to see them advertised with children.
Although I own other gadgets I won't be buying a Kindle. I'd much rather pick up a book, and encourage children to leave their gadgets at home and visit a bookshop or library. Gadgets to me don't promote reading aloud or sharing books with your family either.
Reading is an essential skill, you don't have to list it as a favourite hobby, but there is a book out there for everyone, so why not search one out, turn the pages, and enjoy it. Whether it helps you with study, is a distraction as you sit on a sunbed on holiday, or helps you learn more about your favourite subject. Don't let the wonder of books be lost in favour of TOWIE or your Playstation.
Joey can pick out cats and a ladybird in one of his books, and if in the right mood enjoys turning the pages and looking at the pictures. He is on the go a lot, but I will instil a love of books in him - my Aunty mission.
ReplyDeleteTotally with you. I love readng and my son has been going to the Library since he was 6 months old, it's part of our routine. He is surrounded by books, they are his chill out time and we read a number of books at bedtime.
ReplyDeleteI worked with someone who once told me she didn't have the time to read to her two boys. She stuck them infront of a DVD on the telly instead. It appauled me then, but now as a Mum, I cannot understand it as all. Reading to my little boy is a magical time, just me, him and an imaginary world.
I couldn't live without my kindle, but I love to read a proper book! you can't beat it :)
ReplyDeleteI have nominated you for the Sunshine Award http://princessofpretty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/sunshine-blog-award-tag.html
xxx