Parental Influence on Reading Habits: A Personal Journey

Every individual's path to a love of reading is unique. For me, although I was never explicitly forbidden to read, my mother has always encouraged me to read more non-fiction. This article delves into how my parents have approached my reading habits and the reasons behind their decisions.

The Cultural Context

Being from one of the metropolitan cities of India, with well-educated, earning well parents in government jobs, my family has a certain mindset regarding education and extracurricular activities. However, there seems to be an ongoing disagreement between my parents and me. Although they love me deeply, their viewpoints and rules often criticize my choices and interests.

Examples of Disagreements

One of the key areas where we clashed was my interest in Model United Nations (MUNs). I informed my parents about my interest, but they dismissively said it was a mere waste of time. Another example was my desire to participate in music classes; they initially saw it as a distraction, but eventually, they changed their minds.

As time went by, they began to expect me to focus more on traditional extracurricular activities, such as academics, and when I proposed resuming music classes, they brought up the issue of it being a distraction from my studies again. This shows the extent to which their opinions can shift based on societal pressures and perceived benefits.

The Stance on Reading Books

Interestingly, when I was younger, my parents pushed me to read more books, but now, they seem to view reading as a complete waste of time. Whenever I ask for a book, I often receive mixed signals:

They suggest that since the academic year has just started, I shouldn't spend extra time reading. They remind me that I am in the middle of an academic year and thus can't read extra books. They argue that I should not read while finals are approaching or during vacations. Even during holidays, they insist I should engage in more productive activities like visiting relatives.

Additionally, I often face strict conditions on when and how to read:

No reading during meals. No reading before >No reading after bedtime. No reading in between study sessions.

These restrictions have led to a peculiar situation where I am allowed to read only two books a year, and this is only after much persuasion and promises of reading just 15 minutes a day.

The Parental Argument

My mother's reasoning behind these restrictions is simple; she believes that reading non-fiction can be more beneficial. While I still love reading and find immense value in fiction, my parents think that non-fiction is better for my academic and personal development. This illustrates the common belief among certain parents that non-fiction offers more practical and educational benefits.

Conclusion

Certainly, my parents have always controlled and attempted to influence my reading habits. They have tried to fit reading into specific circumstances and have even limited the number of books I can read. While their intentions may be well-meaning, their actions have inadvertently discouraged me from exploring the world of fiction, which can be equally enriching and enjoyable.

Nevertheless, it's worth noting that every household and every parent has their unique approach to nurturing their children's interests. While my experience is one case, many others may find different ways to encourage reading and learning. It's important to find a balance that respects both the parent's guidance and the child's preferences.