Violence plagues our society and children perform some of those violent acts. The question we must ask is, 'Why?'
In a recent article in Deseret News the Association for Youth Children and Natural Psychology noted that films could increase violent and aggressive behavior in children. The National School Safety Center has suggested that violent and graphic films may cause much of the recent school violence. Numerous other organizations agree. And so now the question we might ask is, 'Are there better choices?'
Children's book author A. J. Cosmo believes there are better choices. Parents can make those choices, and they must start when children are very young.
"Play the games your children want to play. See the movies they want to see ahead of time. Pay attention to ratings. Read reviews for the content that they want to digest. It’s not only about monitoring what they enjoy; it’s also about connecting with them on their terms.
"Ask your children: 'Why do you want to see this movie?' Have a conversation about it. If you don’t want them to see it, share the reasons why. Violence has an attractive quality about it, of course children will be curious to see it (it is forbidden after all) but if we can add context we can form understanding."
A.J. Cosmo's stories are crafted to help parents teach their children simple everyday lessons in an easy to understand manner. By artfully marrying beautiful illustrations and language, children are challenged to explore his magical worlds. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.'s stories allow children to develop and master a new level of reading. A.J. is the author & illustrator of over forty children's books for the Amazon Kindle including the best selling "The Monster That Ate My Socks" which spent almost two years at the top of the Monster category and in the top 500 books overall. While much of his work is centered on the concept of monsters, Cosmo manages to create characters that are funny, unique and wildly engaging.
"We strive to create stories where children are encouraged to accept differences, mitigate problems, and find alternative solutions that doesn’t involve violence. In 'The Monster That Ate My Socks,' Argyle the monster is relocated by the children that capture him. Mia, from 'G is for Garden Grouper' incorporated the monsters into her new garden (and they heal her illness in return.)
"We need to tell stories that show the world in a better light because stories create perception and perception literally is reality. If our stories say that violence is the best solution to our issues, then we shouldn’t be surprised when children use violence to solve their issues. If we tell children that the world is a cold, violent, place then we are shaping their future to be just that."
A. J. Cosmo is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at aj@ajcosmo.com. All of Cosmo's works are available at Amazon. More information is available at his website at http://www.ajcosmo.com.
About A. J. Cosmo:
A. J. Cosmo lives and works as a writer and illustrator in Los Angeles and has written over thirty children's books for the Amazon Kindle.
Contact:
A. J Cosmo
http://www.ajcosmo.com
aj@ajcosmo.com
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