They Will Reach Up: Why We Shouldn’t Dumb Down Writing for Children
There’s a common misconception in children’s literature that we need to simplify stories for young readers. Some believe that books should be easy, light, and free from complexity so kids won’t get overwhelmed. While it’s true that stories for children need to be accessible, there’s a fine line between making something clear and dumbing it down. And, in my experience, children deserve far more credit than they often receive.
Here’s the truth: kids are smarter than we think. They have an incredible capacity to learn, to question, and to grow. When we dumb down writing, we’re not protecting them—we’re stifling them.
Kids Want to Be Challenged
Children have an innate sense of curiosity. They are little sponges, soaking up information, asking questions, and exploring the world in ways that many adults have forgotten. When we simplify everything for them, we’re denying them the joy of discovery.
Kids want to be stretched. They want to be exposed to new ideas, new words, and new challenges. Think back to the books you loved as a child—chances are, they weren’t the ones that spoon-fed you everything you already knew. They were the books that transported you to new worlds, introduced you to new concepts, and pushed you to think beyond what was familiar. I remember asking my mum every time I came across a new word. Although it was probably frustrating for her to keep explaining, it was thrilling for me! I wanted to learn as many words as I possibly could. I’d get frustrated if books were too simple and if I didn’t come across any new or difficult words.
Dumbing Down Is Reductive
Watering down language or ideas for children is reductive, both in terms of content and impact. It assumes that kids can’t handle deeper themes, nuanced characters, or difficult words, when in reality, they are hungry for growth. Reducing stories to something overly simplistic is not only patronising—it limits children’s ability to stretch their thinking and imagination.
When we make assumptions about what kids can or can’t understand, we’re restricting them. Children are constantly learning, absorbing, and making sense of the world around them. They’re far more capable of processing new ideas than we might think.
By offering stories that are rich with meaning, layered with depth, and filled with new vocabulary, we give kids the opportunity to rise to the occasion. They will reach up—we just need to give them the chance.
Stretching Their Minds Through Storytelling
Children learn best when they’re engaged. And nothing engages a child more than a good story. If we write stories that challenge them—stories that introduce new ideas, new vocabulary, and new ways of thinking—we’re not just entertaining them. We’re helping them grow.
Stories are powerful because they’re more than just words on a page. They are vehicles for learning. A child might come across a word they don’t know, and in the context of the story, they’ll figure it out. They’ll ask questions, make connections, and stretch their minds to understand something new.
When we challenge kids with our writing, we’re not just giving them a story—we’re giving them tools. Tools to think critically, to empathise with others, to problem-solve, and to grow into thoughtful, intelligent adults.
The Joy of New Words
One of the joys of reading as a child is encountering a word you’ve never seen before. It’s an invitation to learn. When we limit the language we use, we’re taking that joy away. Children love learning new words, figuring them out through context, and adding them to their vocabulary.
It’s tempting to avoid “big” words when writing for children, but the reality is, kids love them. They might not understand every word immediately, but that’s part of the adventure. By giving them stories that are a little above their current level, we’re inviting them to rise up to the challenge.
Encouraging Independent Thinking
Another reason not to dumb down writing is that kids are independent thinkers. They don’t need every idea spelled out for them. In fact, they often relish the opportunity to figure things out on their own. A story that’s just a little bit above their understanding encourages them to think critically, to ask questions, and to draw their own conclusions.
When we give children stories with complexity—whether it’s in the plot, the characters, or the language—we’re giving them the gift of independence. We’re teaching them that they don’t need to rely on someone else to explain everything. They can figure things out for themselves.
Aiming High, Not Low
Children are capable of far more than we sometimes give them credit for. When we aim low, we limit their potential. But when we aim high, we encourage them to rise to meet the challenge.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we should write in ways that are incomprehensible. Writing for children requires balance—we need to be mindful of their developmental stage, but we should also remember that they are constantly growing and learning. By aiming just above their current level, we encourage them to reach up.
They Will Rise to the Occasion
Children have an amazing ability to adapt, to learn, and to grow. They’re more intelligent, more intuitive, and more capable than we often assume. When we challenge them through our writing, we’re helping them develop those qualities even further.
So, let’s not be afraid to stretch our young readers. Let’s give them stories that challenge their minds, that introduce them to new ideas, and that trust in their ability to rise to the occasion.
Because they will reach up—and when they do, they’ll surprise you with just how far they can go!
