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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DD15 still reading dork diaries

259 replies

philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 15:13

My dd turned 15 in feb. Shes a perfectly normal 15 year old and doesn't enjoy childish things. The other day though I saw her reading a Dork diaries book, is this normal for her age? If you're not aware these are books aimed at much younger children. I know she is capable of reading much more mature books than this, she reads things like Of Mice and Men, Macbeth, Christmas carol etc for school.

I haven't told her off for this I'm just very confused, why is she reading these books at her age? Aibu for thinking it's weird?

OP posts:
QueenSmartypants · 08/05/2023 16:04

philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 16:00

Enid Blyton's books were written in the 1940s. Dork Diaries is recent and still filled with sexist bullshit

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If you're daughter is as intelligent as you say,then you need to give her some credit here.
Presumably you read Blyton and other sexist works and haven't turned into a trad-wife so don't assume your daughter will either.

You found things you enjoyed in those works, she is taking enjoyment from Dork Diaries. It isn't corrupting her or rotting her brain.

It is rest and playfulness and comfort, which is something we all need to partake in no matter our ages, IQ or anything else.

Ifeellikeateenageragain · 08/05/2023 16:08

I'm getting Hyacinth Bucket vibes here. OP is desperate to demonstrate her family's intellectual vibes (Steinbeck etc) but her daughter is letting the side down by relaxing with non-confrontational, gentler, reading.

FeelingwearyFeeelingsmall · 08/05/2023 16:08

You are being very judgemental. Many, many, many adults read fiction aimed at children for pleasure. As many people have said on here, reading something simple and familiar can be restful and relaxing.

Don't worry about it damaging her intellect. I'm in my 60s and frequently reread old favourites from my childhood but still managed to get an MSc and hold down a successful career.

Soakitup37 · 08/05/2023 16:09

I picked up the bed and breakfast star the other day by Jac Wilson the other day. Im almost 40, I haven’t read it in over 20 years.

dumb books are fine for trash read it’s comforting. You are being so unreasonable, reading is a personal choice outside education, you don’t get a say imo.

Mycathatesmecuddling · 08/05/2023 16:10

redskylight · 08/05/2023 15:57

<Post from OP's DD> The other day I saw my mum posting on Mumsnet. Is this normal for her age? She is perfectly capable of posting on sites discussing current affairs , and serious literary topics. I'm a bit worried she is dumbing down by posting there. She's definitely losing her ability to spell and punctuate properly.

😄😄😄😄

Createausername1970 · 08/05/2023 16:10

I had Enid Blyton's Adventure series (Island of Adventure, Castle of Adventure etc) on my Christmas list last year, and I was very pleased when I unwrapped them. Thoroughly enjoyed rereading them, it was comfortable reading. I think it's fine your daughter has a wide range of choices when she reads.

SocksAndTheCity · 08/05/2023 16:10

Yeah @HeadacheEarthquake , as suspected the OP's posts are settling into a familiar and well worn pattern. I'm not feeding it, so I'll be off.

IHeartGeneHunt · 08/05/2023 16:12

I'm 40, I re read my old Jill pony books.

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 08/05/2023 16:12

@philomenacunky sounds very boring and uptight. Maybe DD is interested in creative writing and familiarising herself with her audience?

Oldnproud · 08/05/2023 16:12

Thank you so much for this thread. It's prompted me to re-read the Mallory Towers series. It's at least 50 years since I last read them 😁

Original poster
philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 16:13

SocksAndTheCity · 08/05/2023 16:10

Yeah @HeadacheEarthquake , as suspected the OP's posts are settling into a familiar and well worn pattern. I'm not feeding it, so I'll be off.

?

OP posts:
edwinbear · 08/05/2023 16:13

I’m 48. I still love Stickman.

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 08/05/2023 16:14

@philomenacunky I have a PhD and regularly reread JW books! Shock

ApolloandDaphne · 08/05/2023 16:14
Hmm
MargaretThursday · 08/05/2023 16:17

I saw 19yo dd reading a rainbow fairy book the other day. Shall I panic?
No, I'm just going back to re-read Ballet Shoes.

TiredOfCleaning · 08/05/2023 16:17

Oh I love the Jill Pony Books.

Indeed I am on a fb page dedicated the the love of the old pony books- Jill- the Pullein Thompson sisters- Patricia Leitch.

MissMogwai · 08/05/2023 16:21

She's 15, keep your pretentious nonsense on what she should be reading to yourself.

I'm a big reader and love the classics. I also love re-reading the Harry Potter books, What Katy Did series, and Mallory Towers to name a few and I'm 43.

Fivebyfive2 · 08/05/2023 16:21

philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 15:56

But I'm not criticising and embarassing the other mums on MN for their spelling

No you're just on a forum criticising your daughter. So much better 🙄

Original poster
philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 16:22

Fivebyfive2 · 08/05/2023 16:21

No you're just on a forum criticising your daughter. So much better 🙄

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I'm not "criticising" her, I'm worried for her intelligence

OP posts:
PhoenixArisen · 08/05/2023 16:23

Instead of coming here and telling us that you think it's weird and criticising her for not being like her sister, why don't you talk to her? Maybe she reads other books too? Maybe not but you could have a conversation with her.

Frabbits · 08/05/2023 16:23

FFS.

Reading is supposed to be fun. Don't be a dick and let her read something a bit young for her if she wants.

AngryGreasedSantaCatcus · 08/05/2023 16:23

Ohhh you jumped the gun with that last one OP.

MrsHamlet · 08/05/2023 16:24

philomenacunky · 08/05/2023 16:22

I'm not "criticising" her, I'm worried for her intelligence

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Her intelligence is not going to be damaged by reading the Dork Diaries.

lunar1 · 08/05/2023 16:24

What the fuck is wrong with you?

unfortunateevents · 08/05/2023 16:26

What a judgemental post. Your "perfectly normal" 15 year old is apparently usually reading A Christmas Carol, Macbeth etc, yet you are worried for her intelligence because you ONCE found her reading Dork Diaries. Seriously?