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Peter Pan?
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So far this book is absolutely brilliantly written. But…I feel hestitant to be reading it to my young children. I’m not sure if they’re old enough to throw out the parts that are bothering me and just enjoy the wonderful parts. I’m wondering if I should just read ahead and edit as I go, wait unti my children are older, or discard it all together. My oldest is six and so far he seems to be loving it.
A few of the things that bothered both my husband and I as we were reading the first couple of chapters: the father’s immaturity and selfishness (I laughed at his character, but rather despised him at the same time), Michael’s defiance (not unusual behavior for a young child, but not something I want emulated in my own house), the part about a child talking about going for a walk in the wood and meeting their “dead father” (?!), the description of Tink’s dress cut low and fitted to show off her figure. Those are just in the first two chapters. And it seems a bit…dark somehow? I mean it’s a little scary at the beginning, you know?
Honestly, if it hadn’t been recommended by the folks here at SCM, who I’ve found to be pretty careful with book choices, I would have thrown it out. But I can’t help but wonder if there’s pieces I’m missing later on that redeem it. Thoughts?
I’m sure you’ll get lots and lots of replies to this thread with arguments about why people do or do not allow their children to read of flawed characters. But I say, if it gives YOU pause, go with your gut – it could be the Holy Spirit working in you in a way He may not choose to work in someone else and just because lots and lots of people have enjoyed a certain work, it doesn’t mean your children will have any LESS of a wonderful childhood without it.
I did not care for Peter Pan and quit reading. BUT, that doesn’t mean you can’t edit certain uncomfortable parts of the story and enjoy it with your kids.
It seems everyone has a different opinion on the book. You should get more responses soon. 🙂
Totally a personal choice. If you feel conviction from the Holy Spirit, I agree with Rebekahy. We’re very conservative Christians, but also don’t shy away from neg. topics….just try to use them as teachable moments when we can and I haven’t noticed neg. behavior because of something read/seen. They know right from wrong, and can point it out when they see it (as well as able for their age, I think). But the age and sensitivity of the child is something to consider…only you and dh can be the judge:) Blessings, Gina
We read it last year with a dd5 and dd8. We all really enjoyed it but I did edit a bit as I read. As for the character issues, I used those as open ended discussion. Why do you think Tink wanted to dress in that way? How do you think mom and dad would respond if your behavior was like Michael’s? Stuff like that. But I 100% agree with the above, you do not have to like or feel good about every good book on a recommended reading list, even one that you trust like SCM. I have started and stopped books we were reading as a family and when my kids asked why I told them that I didn’t feel it was appropriate for our family and there are many other books that we can all enjoy together. In this way I hope to teach them discernment and how they can respond if they are reading something (or watching or hearing etc) they do not feel is appropriate. Either way you choose, discussion or lesson in discernment, you are teaching valuable lessons.
If this book had been a read aloud to my kids we may have had issues. My oldest may have said a thing or two about the characters but since I didn’t read it to him, I didn’t need to worry about his opinion. I read it alone with my 9 yo and he loved it. He rarely mentioned anything about their behavior and didn’t seem overly concerned about the story as a whole. We read it at night as he drifted off to sleep so maybe he wasn’t really getting the whole gist of the book, lol.
Either way, every family has to make decisions they feel is best for themselves regarding books/movies/food, etc., no matter who recommends them.
On a side note: I don’t think I would’ve read it to my 6yo only because he doesn’t seem to be as interested in really long, wordy books like that one. He’s into The Little House series and picture books for now, so Peter Pan would’ve been too much for him. My oldest is not really into fairytales like Peter Pan, so I wouldn’t have made him listen in anyway. HTH
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