Just a quick disclaimer to start- I’m not in any way suggesting that rereading children’s’ stories will fix your problems or mental health. If you’re struggling severely, then consult your doctor.
That said, I do think that in these uncertain times, anyone who is finding it hard to contend with the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in could benefit from revisiting the stories they loved as a child.
Personally, I’m rereading Winnie The Pooh and The House On Pooh Corner to give myself a sense of balance. I’m not even in a bad situation; I’m lucky enough to have a stable job, great colleagues, lovely friends and a safe home. Despite that, it’s still a tough time for everyone right now, and with my anxiety levels rising I’m enjoying the comfort that comes from rereading books I adored as a kid.
Most children’s books centre around overcoming adversity and learning how to adapt around the strange, changing circumstances that are growing up. They also share the messages we need to hear right now- that the world is a big and scary place, in which we can all live happily.
There are also nice pictures and a calm rhythm, making children’s books a great way to feel better even during these challenging times. It can be hard to deal with the traumatic events occurring right now, so these books can not only take you back to a simpler time, when you were a kid, but also make you feel relaxed and calm.
So, if you’re feeling out of sorts thanks to the current crisis, consider revisiting an old favourite from your childhood. It doesn’t matter how young the target audience for your chosen reading material is, as long as it makes you happy and calm. Just try it out if you’re in need of a little rejuvenation even as the lockdowns start to lift; the world isn’t going back to normal in a hurry, so put your health and mental wellbeing first and do whatever you can to start feeling better.
The Dorset Book Detective 