By: Rachel Mork
If you master the art of storytelling
to children, you'll see what an effective communication tool storytelling can
be. Children love to hear stories; a story told well can communicate morals and
important lessons, or afford a medium for your children to explore feelings.
You can use children's storytelling
to accomplish the following:
Defuse Fears: Tell a story that
deals with a fear your child is wrestling with. Is your child afraid of
thunderstorms? Tell a story about a child or animal who finds a safe, cozy
place to curl up during a storm. Is your child afraid of going to the dentist?
Make up a story about a child who bravely goes to the dentist and finds out it
really isn't all that bad. Make use of puppets, stuffed animals and prewritten
stories, when possible. Sometimes children need to see someone else conquer a
fear before they believe they can overcome it.
Explore Consequences: The art of
storytelling offers a perfect way to act out the kinds of consequences that
follow certain actions. You can use the characters in the story to communicate
your reasons behind limits and boundaries as you show your child why you make
certain decisions. Because the story is about fictional characters, your child
may be able understand it (and the reasoning behind it) without becoming
defensive.
Stimulate Your Child's Imagination: Storytelling is a great way to open up your child's imagination.
Allow your child to interact with you as you tell stories, making up characters
and monsters or obstacles for your characters to face. After a while, you may
find yourself listening to a story your child invented instead of telling one
yourself!
Convey Moral Expectations: Most fairy tales and nursery rhymes have morals woven into them.
Use traditional fairytales, modern children's books and your own imagination to
convey your morals to your children. Are you concerned that your child is being
selfish or unkind to a new neighbor? Tell a story that praises kindness,
generosity and inclusiveness. Is your child unwilling to pitch in with chores
or helping around the house? A story like The Little Red Hen will help
set a good example.
Have Fun: Storytelling is bonding. Your child will always remember the
hours you spent talking in silly voices, making up ridiculous characters and
laughing about the stories you told. Embrace this vehicle for parent-child
bonding and have a great time.
