Asleep at the Switch

Every once in a while, I realize that, despite my efforts, I have been asleep at the switch when it comes to screening what the children read.

Theresa completed "The Pearls of Lutra" Friday night and couldn't wait to find a new read aloud to share with me. She decided on "The Hostile Hospital," one of the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. At first, I found the book amusing, with an outlandish plot and droll humor, but Theresa hesitated early in Chapter 3 remarking, "I think this next sentence might be irreverent." I asked her to pass the book to me and, to my dismay, found a joke insulting to the Blessed Mother. It was a gratuitous little aside, extraneous to the plot and subtle enough that most children could read it without even noticing the problem. No doubt "Lemony Snicket" and his editors thought the gibe might amuse any adults who happen to pick up the book.

Unfortunately, I realize more and more that it is wrong to assume that today's "Children's Literature" will be wholesome and suitable for children. In this case, I couldn't even expect that the book would be free from derision toward our Faith. Is it any wonder Pope John Paul II noted, "[i]t is true that young people today experience difficulties that previous generations experienced only partially and in a limited way . . . the isolating and alienating influence of a large part fo the media . . . can produce a confusion in young people about the truths and values which give a genuine meaning to life." (John Paul II, Homily for World Youth Day's Prayer Vigil, January 14, 1995.)

As parents, we too "experience difficulties that previous generations experienced only partially." Let us pray we are up to the challenge.

Comments

[sharon]

I feel at times that I am constantly "on guard". Even places like McDonald's can be ruined now..since they have installed tv's that play movies all the time. One time we were there and they were playing a movie with animated skeletons. I just had to keep reminding the kids to Look out the window. I feel sometimes that it is overwhelming since I have MANY years to go with my motherly protection. Things are VERY different now than when I grew up. The only thing I was not allowed to watch was THe Three Stooges. Now my list as a parent is a mile long. Sometimes I wonder about the world. May God help us all.

[Happyheartsmom]

Amen to Sharon's post, and Alice it's so true we really can't trust anyone elses ideas for our children to read without checking it out first. What a mature and observant reader your dd is to even point it out as well, bravo!