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Ewa Farna and Radka Mornštajnová Discuss Reading Habits at Ostrava Puppet Theatre

Ewa Farna and Radka Mornštajnová, daughter of author Alena Mornštajnová, met at the Ostrava Puppet Theatre to discuss the importance of reading to children. The event marked the 16th annual "Whole Czech Republic Reads to Children" (Celé Česko čte dětem) campaign. Farna, 33, noted that while she did not have a mobile phone as a child, she now faces the challenge of managing screen time for her own two children. She emphasized that reading remains a natural, grounding activity for her family, with both parents reading in their native languages to help their children develop bilingual skills.

Childhood Reading Memories and the Shift to Digital Habits

Reflecting on her own upbringing, Farna recalled that mobile technology was non-existent during her youth. She described using an early mobile phone on ski trips, which lacked a touch screen and featured only the game "Snake." Radka Mornštajnová shared similar memories of her mother, noting that Alena Mornštajnová made time for daily reading even while studying. She cited Astrid Lindgren’s The Children of Noisy Village and Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter as foundational books from her childhood. Both daughters prepared symbolic tributes for their mothers during the event, with Farna inviting the cimbálová band Lipka and Mornštajnová presenting a scene from the play Bylo nás pět.

The Role of the Whole Czech Republic Reads to Children Campaign

The "Whole Czech Republic Reads to Children" initiative, established by Eva Katrušáková in 2006, is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The campaign, which runs from October 1 to October 7, has received official patronage from President Petr Pavel. Organizers emphasize that regular reading is essential for a child’s emotional development, memory, and imagination, while also fostering stronger bonds between children and parents. The project involves a network of families, schools, and libraries across the Czech Republic.

Support Resources for Families and Children

The counseling service Modrá linka, as reported by Modrá linka, highlights that children sometimes face significant emotional distress due to parental conflict. The service emphasizes that while children may feel responsible for family atmosphere, the duty to maintain a safe environment rests with the adults. Counselors suggest that when communication with parents becomes difficult, children should seek support from other trusted adults, such as relatives or teachers, and reminds them that they have a right to professional psychological help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Reading and Support

How does reading together impact a child’s development?
According to the organizers of "Whole Czech Republic Reads to Children," regular reading sessions support a child’s emotional health, language acquisition, memory, and imagination. It also serves as a method to create a stable, intimate bond between the adult and the child.

What should a child do if they feel overwhelmed by family conflicts?
Modrá linka notes that children should attempt to have a calm conversation with their parents about their feelings. If that is not possible, the service recommends reaching out to other trusted adults, such as grandparents, teachers, or club leaders, and points out that parents are legally responsible for ensuring their child has access to psychological support if needed.

Who is the patron of the current reading campaign?
The 16th annual Týden čtení dětem (Week of Reading to Children), which takes place in early October, is held under the patronage of Czech President Petr Pavel.

Campaign Promotes Shared Reading Between Generations

The "Whole Czech Republic Reads to Children" campaign was founded in 2006 by Eva Katrušáková and has spent two decades promoting the benefits of shared reading time between generations.

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Note: While the public event in Ostrava focused on the benefits of reading, the internal dynamics of family communication remain a complex issue, with services like Modrá linka providing support for those experiencing domestic strain.