I don't know what spurred this on recently, but the Lord convicted me that we should not own or read to our children any books that talk about not being excited about welcoming a new baby into a family. Why? Because after having 7 children what I have seen is the exact opposite! My children have all been thrilled about each new baby that was on the way! So, for us these books may put ideas into our children's minds that just are not there. In general, I think most kids are excited to have a new baby and for those who are not--well, my question is whether some other person put that idea in their head. "Oh, you're not going to be the baby anymore!" or "You're going to have to share your toys!" or "Things are going to change!". It is the ungodly worldly view of children that has infiltrated into homes and then has seeped into children's thinking. We need to combat these lies and not even tolerate a book that would promote these ideas, even if the book has a happy ending in which the children learns to accept the baby. Why even go there?
Ironically, when I was reading Mary Pride's book, "All the Way Home", she said the same thing! Funny how when you are mulling over a certain conviction or idea God will reinforce this or encourage this line of thinking, either with the truth of His Word or a sermon or another godly brother or sister in Christ's words.
I also cannot stand children's books in which sibling rivalry is the norm or disrespect of parents. For example, as a child I enjoyed the Trixie Belden mysteries. A couple of years ago I read some of these books to my children. However, what detracted from the story was all of the rivalry that went on between the main characters, the name-calling and put-downs, that had nothing to do with the plot! I had to stop reading these books and get rid of them.
What our children meditate on, which is fed by what they watch, listen to and read, is SO important. The world has crept into even "Christian" books and music. It is so important to be discerning. Our children need to worship God, not idolize sports figures, celebrities or fictional cartoon characters. Before you allow anything, first pray about it--whom will this particular thing glorify and will it lead to further problems down the road? What worldview is this promoting? It is our job to protect our children's minds!
In Christ, Laura
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2 comments:
Oh Laura, I would have to agree with you! Last year our oldest son came home from school talking about not liking being the "middle child" (a phrase my husband and I have NEVER uttered!) Come to find out, his class had read the book, The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo. I still have not read it but I was crushed that this was even mentioned to him.
Stacy--Yes! That is another book topic--birth order. There are so many others! All that stuff is such psychological garbage! :)
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