Would you read Harriet's notebook?
If you were her mother and you found it, would you read it?
I remember being 7 and when she gave it back and told her 'I didn't read it', I was like 'how could you not?'
Well, this is a tricky question. I'm not a mother, but I hope to be a good one someday. But given the fact that Harriet wrote in it for her private thoughts, one would hope the parents would understand that. However, the best answer I can give is that I would only read if I felt that it was needed. Say, she started acting differently or was quietly crying out for help in her behaviors. The parents need to intervene on a level that is fair to the child, in which they seek what is wrong with them if there is something amiss. Personally, I think the parents should have read it because Harriet's behavior was crying out for help - and not to be rude, honestly. I meant, that perhaps it could have stopped the damage done to all parties, because Harriet started being rebellious and angry, throwing things and screaming. The parents did not know what to do but to seek therapy.
I think that she did read it, but she put up an act just to not hurt her daughter's trust. Though, I kind of wish she had said she read it. It would have maybe gave a bond to her and Harriet, and relations to her being younger. Still, I think that not reading it would just be fueling the fire more to Harriet's "depression." When I was younger, I actually believed she didn't read it. But now, I am starting to think that the mom did...just because it seems more realistic that she would care for her daughter enough to see into her life that the daughter is hiding.
I am only saying pry because sometimes people kill themselves, and Harriet was showing many signs of doing so in her screaming, tearing pages, and fits.
They didn't really TALK to her though. I mean, before that point. There was no groundwork for her to trust them and, honestly, I wonder if reading it wouldn't have broken any trust she did have. That would be my concern.
shareAlso, were they even HOME when she came home that day? I'd hope if your kid came home covered in blue paint that you'd notice and go talk to them...
shareThey were probably at work wherever that is, remember she came running home after they threw it on her which would still be during school.
shareI'll give you that, but what about her clothing? The blue tub/towels? Why didn't the school call them? There's just so much that fails about the adults in this movie.
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