Teenage Literacy.

So, the question came up today about whether or not it mattered what your child was reading as long as he/she was reading. My answer? No! A resounding No! I work in the Public Library system and it shocks me that when kids come to the library it's for one of two reasons: A. They need a book reference for an assignment, or B. Their computer at home isn't working and they HAVE to check their e-mail now in case someone sent them a message since they last saw them at 3:00 when the school bell rang.

Literacy among teens is woefully inadequate. Many of these kids scoff at the idea of picking up a book. Their fingers are more used to flying across the keys of their cell phone or the latest MSN messenger, etc. etc. It's a sad, sad time when the only authors teens know about are J.K. Rowling or Stephanie Meyer (with Rowling being the MUCH more talented of the two). That's not to say that either of these authors aren't excellent storytellers in their own right but seriously? There are so many great writers out there that teens could read a book a week and still never even skim the depths of fabulous writers.

I know I must seem horribly hypocritical sitting here banging away on my keyboard and lamenting the inadequate education of teens these days. There are a few exceptions to this rule and some kids come in and seem to actually enjoy reading and looking for books.

The point of this post was to talk about whether or not it mattered what your kids were reading as long as their reading. I believe this whole heartedly. I don't mean you should give your ten year old son the latest issue of Penthouse and consider your parenting duties done. Take your kid to the library, don't rush them into picking something up. Don't stand there tapping your foot and glancing pointedly at the clock. Let them soak up the wonderful world of books. Don't look at a book and tell them it's too long, they'll never finish it. Let them try. I'm not a parent so I probably shouldn't be standing on my soapbox preaching to those of you who are. I'm not calling anyone a bad parent. I'm just stating my point from behind the circulation desk.

Consider this, there are worse things then being stuck in the library for thirty minutes while your child looks for something to read. Be patient, pick up a book for yourself. It wont hurt, I promise. :D