It's 2022, even without the books, it will still be very easy for her to read about these things. You are, of course, right to be freaking out over graphic sex scenes, serial killers etc. but I swear this is exactly what most people I've known were interested in when we were around that age. I think it's normal for you to be worried but I also think that you don't really have anything to worry about (if that makes sense).
@SW-User I agree with you. Let's face it they are very interesting reads trying to understand how people can do these things! I read Helter Skelter when I was young. The sex and violence is not more than they can get elsewhere.
The three books of the same genre would worry me a bit but when you think about it, I read Stephen King books and almost horror exclusively in my teens and no one was concerned about that.
I'm sure it's just a passing interest, but I would keep an eye on it and make sure she reads other stuff too.
@SW-User I can understand your thoughts too, those books would not be my choice of reading, to learn about this life, but it is true she can search the internet, and read that plus a whole lot more. Being older often lets you see through the dark side, and make better choices, when it's all pushed under your nose.
SW-User
I first learned about the ‘classic’ serial killers around age 10. I turned out okay and have only killed 2 people so far
Hmmm i really want to read a fathers story! I watched Jeff dahmer story on netflix, played on my mind a little after but if you are a sane person it would.
Unfortunately there are horrible and nasty people in the world it shouldn't be covered up. But what is the right age to tell your children?!
I think the first one would be too graphic at her age A fathers story i think would be ok to start with.
SW-User
@Beautywithin I think the same, I'll get the father's story and see how she gets on with that
If anything else, it shows she has huge trust in you. I definitely wouldn't ask my parents for these kinds of books when I was 14 and would have tried to get them in secret if I wanted them that much. As for the content, I am not convinced it's good to fill a head with these things at all, not just at certain age. I know I was much more insensitive to it when I was in my early teens but I wouldn't bet my life on that it had no impact on shaping my views on certain things as I was growing up. On one hand, it's important to learn how sick some people are and what to do to prevent unnecessarily exposing oneself to dangers, on the other hand, one might start focusing on evil way too much and expecting only the worst from everyone.
Well its like this we all know kids watch porn but if parents provide them with literature with sex then kids could consider that as our consent to sex or watching porn ..
I think from what you are saying she is mature so obviously has already read something similar I know you can trust her and seem to communicate well together Good sign
Hmmm. 🤔🤔🤔 When I was 14, I was only interested in learning about the opposite sex. Absolutely fascinating for me, TBH, and I was not even aware of serial killers. The Manson murders were absolutely gruesome, so she would probably like that one best.
But then again...don't give her any weird ideas.
SW-User
My parents allowed me to read books about serial killers and such at 12. I read Helter Skelter.....quite a good read btw. But, this can open a childs eyes as to reality and whats out there. The evil ones can do. But, i had a huge interest around her age.
She should read Helter Skelter. That’s part of history while Gacy really is just a random criminal. Plus, Bugliosi is a very good writer. After that she can read Reclaiming History about the JFK assassination.
At that age, I liked world news, political plots and assassinations lol. I was following all sort of ongoing wars like one would with a RomCom TV show. 😇
I say no on the first two, only because they may contain graphic details of the crimes. She can read a wiki article on those two and learn the basics of those events in American history.
The last one seems harmless. Giving insight into the upbringing of a serial killer may not contain graphic details, unless there is abuse involved.
That's my take. I might get barraged for this, but I have an 11 yr old, and he can read the first two when he's 18.
LOL! when i was a 13 my parents punished me for trying to check serial killer books out of the library (the librarian flagged my account and told my parents lol). after grounding me for a couple of weeks, my mom insisted on reading the books with me, which made me feel bad because it was awful stuff. but my mom persisted - after each section or chapter she would start a conversation with me about the terrible acts: how did it make me feel, what were bundys motivations, etc.. she respected me, didn't judge me, and was curious about what i thought. i grew a really close relationship with my mom after that (which was tough because 3 years later i ran away from home at 16.)
I don't think you should have been grounded, but it sounds like your mother rethought what she had done, and came up with a better idea and decided to read the books with you. I'd call that good parenting. 👍
I read The Shining when I was 14. She'll be fine, she seems to have a morbid fascination of serial killers. I have too. Not that I approve of them, but the psychology is fascinating.
