Dear Ellie: Among my friends with teenagers, many found that, since classroom-life ended with the lockdown, their kids stopped reading for pleasure.
My own teenager and others I know, used to relax with a book. They discussed books with each other, and even talked about their current reading at the dinner table.
It raised the younger kids’ interest in books they were hearing about, and opened up new information for us all.
Why do you think teenagers stopped reading during the pandemic?
Concerned Mom
We’re dealing with a generalization, of course. Undoubtedly, some teens still found a world of adventure through books.
However, teenagers typically tend to crave the company of friends, along with wanting something exciting in their lives.
Instead, they were mostly kept inside their homes for over three months (depending on restrictions), unable to see friends except virtually.
Easy-access excitement came from fast-action video games or TikTok, Snapchat and other social media platforms, as quick hits of something to talk about with friends.
Keep reading and discussing books with your teen. Listen to books when driving any distance as a family.
They’ll come back to reading, in time.
Dear Ellie: I’m the eldest of three brothers, all married with children. Pre-pandemic, we regularly had very large get-togethers with our parents.
I married first. My younger brothers treat my wife like a sister. But their wives changed after they had children.
They became uninterested in our family gatherings, made excuses not to attend, and aren’t warm with my parents.
I worry that all responsibilities as they age will be only ours, and my brothers’ wives will deter them from helping their own parents. Please advise.
Splintering Family
Talk to your brothers. Don’t criticize their wives but discuss how three sons should think about, and decide on, some shared responsibilities.
Ask your parents about their own plans — e.g. whether to downsize, how they want to handle serious health and end-of-life issues, whether they have legal wills.
After that, time will indicate what’s needed from whoever’s willing to help. It’s harmful if forced.
Ellie’s tip of the day
Adult children should appreciate parents’ finding new, healthy partnerships after a loss.
