---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Think about reading: Today, parents would…"
description: "\"Think about reading: Today, parents would love it if their kids read books more because the parents understand the books. Just over 100 years ago, pare..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e71/paul-saffo-10456_book_think-about-reading-today-parents-would_1686437.jpg"
---

#  Think about reading: Today, parents would love it if their…

![“Think about reading: Today, parents would love it if their kids read books more because the parents understand the books. Just over 100 years ago, parents were upset because their kids were reading dime-store novels. Parents would say, &quot;I don't want you inside reading anymore. Get outside and…” quote by Paul Saffo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e71/paul-saffo-10456_book_think-about-reading-today-parents-would_1686437.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e71/paul-saffo-10456_book_think-about-reading-today-parents-would_1686437.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e71/paul-saffo-10456_book_think-about-reading-today-parents-would_1686437.jpg)

> “Think about reading: Today, parents would love it if their kids read books more because the parents understand the books. Just over 100 years ago, parents were upset because their kids were reading dime-store novels. Parents would say, "I don't want you inside reading anymore. Get outside and play." I guarantee you, in 50 years or so, parents are going to say, "You're not going outside to play until you finish that video game."”

[Paul Saffo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-saffo/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage notes shifting parental attitudes toward children's media, from books to video games, highlighting cyclical concerns about screen time.

**In simple terms:** Parents repeatedly worry about kids' media choices across generations.

Key Takeaway

Recognize recurring media anxieties.

Themes

parenting media generational change

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

sociological observational

When to use this quote

- education policy
- family routines
- digital literacy

Key Concepts

cultural cycles technology adoption

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you balance screen time and outdoor play?
- What lessons can we learn from past media panics?

A Different Perspective

New media may offer educational benefits despite concerns.

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