Posted on 12/21/2016
Okay, now that we’ve realized the problem with treating books like veggies, we may need to remind ourselves of the dangers of the system we’ve set up, by which books are the veggies that must be eaten in order to “earn” dessert. The illustration is quite appropriate, considering that similar to the negative effects of too much refined sugar, the downsides of screen time include the kinds of things absolutely none of us want for those we love: increased issues with anger, depression, and lack of motivation. Books, however, produce the opposite.
So Are Books More Like Dessert?
Let’s see here. Desserts can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, but only in moderation. So no, we can’t quite liken books to desserts. Maybe more like fruit. It’s sweet, good for us, and in plentiful supply. The cravings for sugar and screen time are actually quite similar psychologically: Like many addictions, they both fail to offer any satisfaction, only craving for more. Books, like fruit, offer us a lot more than empty calories or time-fillers. To taste buds conditioned to refined sugar, though, fruit may not taste very sweet at first; the adjustment will take time. Like taste buds, though, an affinity for books can be learned.
What Makes Fruit Appealing?
Reading can be hard work, but we can take the “hard” part out of the equation by providing our kids with books they can easily access; for pre-readers, picture books are perfect. The point is not to make reading difficult, so once your child can read independently, you want to make sure the books you provide are below his or her reading level. (If there are 3 or more words on a page which aren’t easily understandable, then it’s too difficult; save it for next year, or read it aloud together.) We’re not talking toddler board books for average 10 year olds here, but remember this: Just because a book is more difficult to read, doesn’t necessarily make it a better book for your child.
Variety and Social Connections Are Important
I don’t know about you, but when we have fresh, juicy fruit already washed and ready to go, my kids are far less likely to beg for cookies or candy. If they have to pay for the fruit themselves, look for it, or even take that extra second to rinse it off, though, simply opening that candy wrapper is more likely to win out. Books can be the same way. By keeping a variety of books accessible to our kids, we can help foster love for books and reading in our kids. Audio books can be a great way to add a new dimension to books, and they can satisfy the desire for “technology time,” especially for pre-readers who want a degree of privacy but desire some kind of human connection. Read alouds are just the start; when your child reads a book you’ve also read and enjoyed, and you can discuss it thoughtfully, there’s a new connection and understanding you develop with one another.
Continue reading with Part 3: If Books Aren’t Vegetables, Why Do We Have To Make Such an Effort?.
Read the Series
• Part 1: Do You Treat Books Like Vegetables?
• Part 2: How To Stop Treating Books Like Vegetables
• Part 3: If Books Aren’t Vegetables, Why Do We Have To Make Such an Effort?
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