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Reading To and With Your Children Helps With Discussing Difficult Issues

As a mother and as aa teacher, it wasn’t difficult to see that lecture mode turned the lights out with my daughter and my students as far as listening goes.  Kids tune out when we start telling them what to do and what not to do. 

But if you read s story where a character is struggling with serious conflicts and the consequences of their actions or facing discrimination or facing any issue they are asked to come to grips with today – the story becomes the way in to start the discussion.  The pressure to comply is moved to the character in the story – and away from the child.  Complex, relevant topics are easier to talk about when once removed.  Google comes in pretty handy when you are seeking a book on a topical matter today.

Jeannie Ann’s Grandma Has Breast Cancer is a good example of a book that can be used as a tool to begin a conversation that is not so easy to begin.  The books are out there.

Happy Reading!