My Parents are Out of Control
#2 in Louis the Laugh Series
What’s inside...
Louis finds it amusing when his parents ask for tips on how to be cool, but things take a turn for the worse when they start to embarrass him in public by dressing like rappers, trying to friend his classmates on Facebook, and wearing baseball caps backwards. Louis and his best friend Maddy are horrified and decide that immediate action is needed to put an end to their parents' antics.
Discussion points
How did you feel when Louis's parents started acting differently? Have you ever wished you could change something about how adults behave?
What do you think is the importance of rules and roles in a family, based on Louis's experiences?
Can you think of a funny or embarrassing moment you had with your parents? How did it make you feel?
What did Louis learn about his parents by the end of the book? Have you learned something surprising about your own family?
If you could give Louis one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own story of a funny or unusual experience you had as a child to set a comfortable atmosphere for sharing. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Reflect on the responses without judgment to foster an open dialogue. Relate the book’s situations to real-life family dynamics to help your child connect with the story’s themes. Highlight the importance of understanding and empathy in family relationships to reinforce the book's messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: In 'My Parents are Out of Control', the young protagonist deals with his parents behaving unusually, which in turn helps him understand the challenges and pressures they face.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider their parents' feelings and viewpoints during family interactions, fostering a more empathetic and cooperative environment at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character learns that open and honest communication can resolve misunderstandings and improve relationships.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully in their interactions with parents and peers.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The book showcases a family undergoing changes in behavior and dynamics, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to adjust to new situations at school or in social settings, which can be crucial for personal development and stress management.
Example Lesson: Resilience in uncomfortable situations
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates the quirky scenarios created by his parents' actions, he builds resilience and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they have the inner resources to face challenges and can remain composed and constructive even under stress or discomfort.
Example Lesson: Humor as a coping mechanism
Explanation: The humorous tone of the book helps in dealing with potentially embarrassing or difficult situations by finding the lighter side of things.
Real-World Application: Promotes the use of humor as a healthy way to deal with small conflicts or problems at school or home, helping to maintain a positive outlook.