The boys got a gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas and we were pleased to take them and let them pick out a few books. We set the rules prior to going to the store and reinforced them once there- they were to pick out something they could read, not just Pokemon handbooks and the like.
My youngest, Sir Talks-A-Lot, seemed very interested in a series of books called Captain Underpants. Not knowing what these were really about (obviously they sound like some sort of bathroom humor) I figured if they were kids books and they would get him reading then they must be find, perhaps even good. Well, once we got home and he started reading them I realized they are bathroom humor and futhermore, they aren’t even grammatically correct!
These books (Captain Underpants, Super Diaper Baby, etc.) have received great reviews on Amazon and the like, but I fail to see the benefit to a young child. These are like the Simpsons or South Park- just because it is a cartoon does not mean it is for kids. Reviews of these books state that the adults enjoyed the potty humor but I honestly feel it is too much for a young child and not nearly subtle enough. With characters turning into Poop and multiple mentions of Uranus in a way that should make a teenager laugh, I find them borderline offensive and not what I had in mind for a 6 year old. Perhaps I am a prude.
But beyond the bathroom humor is the fact that spelling and grammar are horrible. It would not be so bad if my child, who is laughing at the ridiculous stories and character interaction, were at least getting the benefit of reading. I feel that benefit is minimal when many words are misspelled.
Again, perhaps I am a prude about this but I an close to taking the books away. I would not allow them to watch cartoons or movies with this style of Animal House humor so why let them read it, espcially when the reading lacks educatonal benefit. I am sure this will live on through a topic on a podcast, once I dust off the mic, but for now- has anyone experienced these books? Any comments or perhaps something to show me I am overreacting?
January 5, 2009 at 6:21 am
I’m with you! If the content is too mature (or stupid) and the grammar is incorrect, then kids shouldn’t read them. Just because Bratz were popular does not make them a positive role model for kids.
Sounds like its time to sit down with the boys and explain why they won’t be reading those books anymore.
January 5, 2009 at 7:25 am
My kids have read and loved this series. I’ve always had mixed feelings, since I don’t like them using some of this language in common speech, so why would I let them read this stuff, right?
If this were the only books they were reading, I’d have a problem with it, but this is more of a diversion, a light sugary snack between literary meals. As far as the offensiveness, it won’t be long before they’re hearing much worse, and they’re likely hearing much worse in school. The fact that you’re reading it gives you a chance to talk to them about it.
We allow our kids access to *some* offensive content in a controlled environment so we can teach them to deal with it. That way, once they’re off to college, etc., they’ll know how to deal with it and make smart decisions.
But every parent has to decide how much their kids can handle.
January 5, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Dale has an excellent point: “But every parent has to decide how much their kids can handle.”
Personally, those books won’t be in my house. But those are my rules. Each parent is different and that’s what makes kids able to learn from each other and their parents.
January 16, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I just listened to the podcast that referred to this story, and the funniest part was that you had just posted to Twitter the grammar statement “To reiterate is redundant,” which, as a grammarian, I found highly amusing. And, since you begged me to comment after I replied to your tweet, I decided I would do so.
My son was about the same as yours when he brought home Captain Underpants from the school library, off all places. I remember he was laughing uncontrollably while reading the book, so I asked to see it. I was appalled at both the humor and the grammar in the book. We had a long talk about it, and being the softee that I am, I let him finish reading the book because he was enjoying it so much.
However, unlike many kids, my son has the advantage of having two parents who strongly value reading, effective communication and proper grammar, so he’s been constantly corrected his entire life. The advantage is that he excels in reading and language arts in school; the disadvantage is many of his friends can’t stand the fact he always wins the class spelling bees. However, I think that’s a good problem to have.
I agree with Dale that ultimately, it all comes down to the parents. You have to be willing to sit down with the children and educate them about everything, the good and the bad. He is right that often kids are going to be exposed to far worse at school, and often no adult is around to educate and/or correct the situation. As a result, we have to be prepared to deal with the situation long after the fact.
My son is now 10 years old, so I have even taken to letting him watch certain PG-13 movies, typically superhero flicks. But we also have a discussion after the movie whenever the content is inappropriate. As with any topic, it’s all a matter of parental involvement. Those of us who are actively involved with our children’s lives will find children who are capable of dealing with, and understanding, the difference between what’s acceptable and unacceptable, whether it’s grammar, language, or behavior.