Nathan has been begging me for over a year to read the book "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney. When he first brought it home from the school library, well, I just didn't like the title at all! So, I sat down and read the entire book. I hated it!! For some reason, it just rubbed me the wrong way. I asked Nathan not read it because I thought some of the language and content wasn't appropriate for him. I also told him that there are tons and tons of really good books out there that are much better for him to read. He seemed ok with...then.
Now, it seems, the books have become ever popular again in his class and he has asked me every day this week if he could "pleeeeeeeeeez read it".
I just don't know what to do. My gut says there are way too many other books out there for him to read and that we shouldn't waste our time on such a silly book. On the other hand, I absolutely LOVED the Junie B. Jones books and we read every single one of those. Some say those are just as bad as the "Wimpy Kid" series.
I am truly at a loss folks. If any of you have any advice on how I could handle this...I'd appreciate it. I searched on the internet and found an interview that Catholic Online did with Jeff Kinney. The article seemed to be promoting the book. On the other hand.....Catholic Online tends to be extremely liberal anyway. Soooo, I'm back to not knowing what to do.
Help!
10 comments:
Not sure what to tell you...I haven't looked into the series yet and Peter hasn't looked at it. Let me know what you decide...
Here is a review at another Catholic resource:
http://booksnblather.blogspot.com/2009/03/diary-of-wimpy-kid-series-by-jeff.html
My kids skipped right over them and read this over my shoulders saying, Mom, those books are dumb.
As far as I know, they said the title turned them off. Teenie read the Junie B. Jones and quickly went off those.
If you did not like the book, that should be good enough for your kids. Stick to your guns . . . get a reading list from the library and find something else.
Good luck!
Nancy, it seems to me that the more you try to stop your son from reading it, the more it would peak his interest. Is it really that bad? My mom never censored any books when I was growing up and I have never censored any of my son's choices. For example, it was is own choice not to read any Harry Potter books but loved the Lord of the Ring series.
My advice is to read it together. You can discuss parts you don't like AND it's time together. Nothing's more important than that. Win Win if you ask me.
wow, I've never heard of this book before. Not sure what to tell you, but I know your a wonderful mom and don't worry, whatever decision you make will be the right one for your son:)
What does Dr. Dobson have to say about it? He is very conservative and I trust him explicitly.
Generally, a gut feeling is never wrong when it involves one of your children.
I like Fizzy's idea.
Another name for "my GUT tells me" is: THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Follow your conscience Nancy!
It is never easy to have to repeatedly choose not to take part in things that society (and even good schools or Catholic review companies) seem to think are FINE...
However, my Dad always says "Being a GOOD parent is not about making decisions that make your kids happy...it's about having the COURAGE to make the DIFFICULT ones that WON'T"
Your son will understand one day when he is grown...and he will thank you (and perhaps a part of him already understands...he just won't quite be at the thanking part yet ::SMILE::)
Sorry to pop back into two comments Nance....but...I felt compelled to say that your quandary really isn't about "the book" per se...but rather...it's about whether or not to follow your heart when you feel something is not right for your child...it doesn't even have to be a BAD thing...it's just something that you feel doesn't FIT for your family...the real issue here is: Will you act on that to allow your family to be who YOU feel God wants you to be...or will you conform or compromise so that your family can be like others?
Just a thought.
My good heavenly pal St Francis DeSales says: "Do not try to be anything other than what you are...and try to be that perfectly"
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