Things to Say, VI

I felt really bad for my writing students, not least because I had not the slightest idea what the cure for their problem was.  I couldn’t go back in time and tell them to read more things—but that really was the only thing that could have fixed their problem.

But parents, for the love of Mike—have your kids read more things.   Have them read all the things.  Read for an hour a day, at least.  And then—no book reports—but ask them at the dinner table about their reading.  If they’re confused about a plot point or a concept, help them understand it; and if you’re not sure you understand it, look it up.  Don’t be necessarily satisfied with the first answer you find online, either—look for several, and figure out which one makes the most sense, or what the consensus is.

Help your children learn how to learn.  Don’t assume that because they did their homework and got passing grades in school they’re good to go.  They.Are.Not.Alright.

And then, if you do all that, when they get to college, they’ll have enough background to actually understand why Lizzy is amused by—and refuses—Mr. Collins’s proposal.