If you see a kid reading in public you do not need to ask what they are reading. You don’t need to ask if they like the book. We had a woman grab my kids arm today to ask these questions.
I know people are excited about seeing a kid with a physical book and not an iPad but if you start acting all weird about it it’s not going to help them see reading as enjoyable. It’s scary to have a stranger grab you while engaged in a book.
by ST0H3LIT
6 Comments
Meh, there’s a healthy middle ground there. Obviously never grab anyone. And the reader is under no obligation to answer any stranger.
But sometimes asking is nice.
That woman should have simply gained your eye contact and given you a knowing look, maybe made a comment like “how great to see them reading!” to you. Not interrupted the kid, and definitely not grabbed them.
If the kid looks up from the book, or stops reading, that is a fine time to ask about the book. I think having people ask those questions is a good thing, it encourages them to read if they can tell people about the book they’re reading! But time and place.
When I’m at home reading, and my partner is constantly interrupting me to make small talk or show me reels, it enrages me. I have told him repeatedly (but jokingly) not to interrupt my reading unless the house is on fire or someone is dying. The occasional interruption I can live with, but talking to me 5 or 6 times while I’m still on the same page is infuriating! Kids deserve the same respect.
I don’t know, whenever I see a kid reading, I usually grab my tuba and start blasting Mahler’s Sixth Symphony in their face
I think, as others have indicated, the issue is that no one should be grabbing random kids out in public; entirely unrelated to reading…
You shouldn’t do this to an adult either! I always want to be like “Hey…I’m trying to READ”
Counter: Let kids be integrated into society so when they are engaged by a stranger they see it as an opportunity to converse rather than an intrusion.
Stopping for a minute to acknowledge those around you is a good thing.