Can Reading be enjoyable?

Children are bombarded by so many new technical gadgets, that they do not have time to sit and think straight. They usually have at least: a computer or a video console, Wii or play station. As soon as they come back from school, they end up shutting their bedroom doors and they get into a virtual world...

I am not saying it is wrong to use technology achievements. My own children are used to using computers and internet for almost anything  (within reason). They will not look for information in a reference book, but instead, they will search for it on the internet. Unfortunately, they represent "a computer generation" and they cannot think about living without technology. To be honest, I can't get up not thinking about the internet. I do my work online using pc and internet and I love it. I get in touch with my friends on the other side of the world via internet with such ease that you could never think of in the past. Be it shopping or leisure, I use the internet.

But at the same time, I encourage my children to read "proper" books. I don't send them to catalogues and marketing brochures for knowledge. Instead, I want them to read a wide range of books. According to me, you need to read classics in your native language and classics written by foreign writers to be fully educated. I do admit: some classics are very tough to get through, but you can always get a simplified version, which is going to be a pleasure to read.
Some may argue, that reading takes time. It does, but it is not time wasted. It only feels like a burden, if you don't understand what you are reading and you cannot comprehend a written word.

Both my children are very good and proficient readers. They enjoy books and find pleasure in reading them. They can follow instructions and they are equipped in the knowledge to find information they are looking for. Besides, they spell very well...because they read.
They don't have TVs in their bedrooms and I don't intend to buy them. They don't have play station, the game console they do have, is rarely used. Yet, they can work on computers with ease and they are able to fulfil any IT requirements at school. And they don't watch TV for 24h a day. Instead, we filter, what they should/could watch. If these are cartoons, let it be, but not for 2h, as it is very brain numbing. If we discover a good programme (like a scientific one about the universe), we encorage them to watch with us.

It's parents responsibility to decide what is suitable for children and what is not. Aggressive films will boost aggression without teaching any values. There is enough aggression in our society.

But what happens, if you suggest sharing a book? You can read it together with your child, talk about it, imagine a different ending. And you don't have to start with a difficult, sophisticated literature. The most important thing is to start. If you, as a parent, don't feel confident enough with your own reading skills, you don't have to be ashamed of it. There are ways you can improve it. There is help available, if you need it.
The most important thing is to choose a book instead of buying yet another DVD. Books are free from any library and they will bring rewards for both you and your child.