NOT EVERY PARENT IS APPROVING OF " Harry Potter books

Gritherclauff · Post by **Gritherclauff** » 22 Jun 2014, 15:15

Here's the thing; this mostly has to do with religion. Many denominations of Christianity (for example) forbid the glorification of or any association with things having to do with witchery or magic. Therefore, it kind of mirrors the controversy over teaching children to follow a certain religion rather than letting them choose what they believe. What a child reads should be up to the child. I mean, if a child wants to remain a part of a religion that restricts things like this, then they should follow that and restrict themselves. However, even if you are a Christian parent, you can't make those kinds of decisions for your child. Great example: My stepmother is an extremely religious woman. However, a few of my brothers and sisters are atheist, and the rest of us are still kinda figuring out what to believe. Rather than try to convince us of what is the truth in her eyes, she teaches us about her beliefs and how they affect her decisions through example, and still remains uninvolved in our own choices. She personally would not like to read the Percy Jackson Series, but was excited when my little brother picked up The Lightning Thief because he was taking the initiative to read on his own.

Kerri · Post by **Kerri** » 23 Jun 2014, 08:21

I will allow my children to read Harry Potter if they wish to. I don't see any harm with exposing them to the issues and themes in the books and I will be there to answer any questions if they struggle to understand or want to discuss them. I was never stopped from reading what I wanted as a child. I do not believe that you teach children to make the right choices by not giving them a choice.

SidnayC · Post by **SidnayC** » 15 Jul 2014, 12:33

People say its demonic or whatever but I don't see how it has the power to produce a negative impact on children. There's a lot of children's books were the main character is magical (i.e. a talking animal) able to do the unnatural. As long as I teach my child that like Santa Clause non of this is real then I don't see the problem with letting my child of a reasonable age read such book.

suzy1124 · Post by **suzy1124** » 15 Jul 2014, 13:30

" freedom of choice " trumps everything..................imho there's no right or wrong re this topic...live and let live....what's right for YOU is what's right...

Sciadoe · Post by **Sciadoe** » 21 Jul 2014, 00:26

I was a teenager at the height of the Harry Potter craze and I lived with my grandmother. I remember having an all out screaming match with her because I had borrowed the first book from my school library and she was prepared to take the book from me and destroy it. I don't understand this. I belong to the same religious group as my grandmother but I just can't see how a work of fiction can be as dangerous as she acted like it was.

volpe-rossa · Post by **volpe-rossa** » 21 Jul 2014, 13:30

I don't think it's exactly a problem with the reading material, but rather the values/morals/ethics and grasp on reality that the parents instill in their children.

salberson 10 · Post by **salberson 10** » 21 Jul 2014, 22:51

These books teach morals and encourages courage and friendship with a subject matter that kids can enjoy. Just explain its fiction so they on't sit by the mail box waiting for their letter.

thankyou · Post by **thankyou** » 22 Jul 2014, 05:23

I personally don't find any problem with Harry Potter. I've read all the books as a kid and they've had no negative influence on me. And hey, it's just fiction!!!

GwenWood · Post by **GwenWood** » 23 Jul 2014, 00:47

People got way too wrapped up in the fact that they were using magic. There are some amazing lessons taught in those books. They inspire courage, intelligence, friendship and many other things. I would encourage anyone who was trying to decide if these were books people should let their children read they should look up the most famous quotes from the novel. And Evanna Lynch's story. Both are very moving.

MamaBookAddict · Post by **MamaBookAddict** » 23 Jul 2014, 10:10

I have read all the HP books - twice - as did my older 2 kids. My 12 yr olds havent gotten to them yet. I dont usually keep my kids from reading anything unless its inappropriate for their age or has sexual content. Of course my 18 & 24 yr old sons read whatever they choose. (and some of the books baffle me! My oldest wants a book on Biocentricism - to read for fun!! ) Im talking about my 12 yr old twins. I read Fault in our Stars but wouldnt let my 12 yr old daughter read it just yet. My 12 yr old son loved the Percy Jackson series and even asked me to buy them so he could reread them! I think the important thing is, that as long as the person reading HP or Percy Jackson, or any fantasy book for that matter, understands that it is a STORY, not real life. If they cant distinguish that, they maybe they arent ready to read them just yet. And I also agree with GwenWood. There were some wonderful lessons in the HP books - as well as others

bekahh91 · Post by **bekahh91** » 23 Jul 2014, 10:39

I don't see why not. My mom never let me read them but they seem harmless to me.

Ekta75 · Post by **Ekta75** » 23 Jul 2014, 14:18

My mom got me those books the very next week after that were released... love them and got the series still with me even though we moved from Kenya to Canada... mind you heavy books..
They are not harmful. Simply amazing books that brought out my imaginations and made reading my passion..

Apogea · Post by **Apogea** » 23 Jul 2014, 16:41

I think if your child is interested in reading it, and you have a question about it, read it yourself and decide how it might impact your child.

pandatoco · Post by **pandatoco** » 23 Jul 2014, 16:45

This is a very back and forth topic for many. I am personally against Harry potter books, because of the witchcraft-etc. However every parent is different and has the complete right to allow or forbid their child from doing whatever they please.

ghostpixie · Post by **ghostpixie** » 23 Jul 2014, 19:24

My parents raised me strict Southern Baptist. Thus, I was never allowed to read Harry Potter or watch the movies as I was growing up. My best friend in elementary school was a HP fanatic, as was her whole family. I always felt really left out. But a couple years ago I finally read HP for the first time! I asked my mom why I'd not been allowed to read them and she actually said she had no idea. I don't think they're a harm at all.