I have read a few romantic books, most especially, as a girl child entering my teenage years. Mills and Boon were my favourite romance books to read and I firmly believe a growing child, entering the double-digit years into being a teenager, should be introduced to reading romantic books. Not all romance books are free from relationship violence. However, the majority are based on the importance of having romance in a relationship. Some life lessons can be learnt from romantic books but importantly, children get romantic lessons from observing how their parents care for each other with respect. Most parents struggle to discuss, and deal with and may not know what to say, how to say it, completely talk about it the wrong way or do not want to talk about it at all. In my article, what book is your child reading, books are essential in ensuring parents stay in communication with their children. The fact remains, that there will be sexual themes or acts in these books. However, as parents, we must realise that there are more harmful contents fighting for the attention of our children compared to a romantic book.

Few things I learnt from reading romantic books, most parents with growing adolescent may find useful: 

• The importance of friendship and romance in a relationship. 
• The expectation from a boy and how a girl should be listened to, treated and respected. 
• Children within this age will be having a crush on their peers which is part of growth, development, body change and emotional awareness. 
• It can help contribute to a foundation of what a romantic relationship may look like.
• Parents can take the lead role in educating their child by selecting or recommending the choice of books and helping to open the door for communication. 
• Romantic books help release happy hormones.

Sexual abuse is high in the age of social media. However, more is being done to educate parents and children about staying safe offline and online. This is an additional method to keep the safety net on and of course encourage reading in our children. A suggested age to introduce a child to romantic books will be from the class age of year six, entering into secondary school.

Mills and Boon romantic books are fiction books and no payment was received for writing this blog. ©️renny adejuwon