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Original poster

Sexism in classic children's books

29 replies

Bi11yOneMate · 15/04/2018 22:16

So we've just been given some lovely illustrated classic children's books. And of course my darling children want them read as their bedtime stories for the next week.

But dear me, it's driving me insane! I'm having to bite my tongue not to interrupt the story and go off into a women's rights lecture, and how it's not like that now because blah blah blah.

Obviously it would be a shame not to read them, and we have had a chat in daytime about how the stories were written a long time ago when things were unfair. But my kids are only little and I really don't like giving them any sexist rubbish to fill their heads.

How do you deal with it?

OP posts:
Original poster
Bi11yOneMate · 15/04/2018 22:35

Thanks. I'll try both suggestions.

Tonight's moment of apoplexy was when I was read about Peter Pan wanting a mother or a sister to cook and mend for them. And then whisks Wendy away as soon as he realised she will do. Ffs

OP posts:
moofolk · 15/04/2018 22:33

If they can't read yet you don't have to use the words in the story.

UpstartCrow · 15/04/2018 22:32

Before you read then you say 'these were written in the old days, and it will be interesting to see how much things have changed since then'.

EasterRobin · 15/04/2018 22:31

I have to admit that I do edit stories as I go along and where I can't change it (normally because I've not noticed until too late) I'll say how silly something is.

Sometimes I'll say, "shall we make this character a girl?"

It helps that my DD is too young to read by herself for now. I'll be back on here for a whole load of book recommendations once she's off reading by herself.