PARENTHOOD

by David W. Proefrock, PhD

Your 10 year-old daughter has a list of books she is supposed to read over the summer. She doesn’t like reading and really doesn’t want to read any of the books on the list. You hate to ruin her summer by fighting with her about the books. What do you do?

A. This is a school assignment just like any other school assignment. She’s going to have to do it even if she doesn’t want to.

B. It’s not really necessary to complete those reading lists. She will be fine if she doesn’t read the books.

C. Make the assignment fun. Talk with her about what she’s reading. Give her a small reward when she finishes a book.

D. Make quick work of this challenge. Tell her there will be no playing with friends, no swimming, and no other fun things this summer until she reads the books.

B. There may not be consequences for not completing the reading list, but blowing off school assignments sets a terrible example for her. Far better to try to make the reading enjoyable.

C. This is the best answer. She’s going to have to do a lot more reading in her life. It will be better if it is not torture for her.

D. This is going to make a significant part

It is your job as a parent to prepare your child for life. Reading is absolutely necessary in life. There are better and worse ways to encourage her to read. Choose the better ones.

Dr. Proefrock is a retired local clinical and forensic child psychologist.