Miami Herald August 31, 2018
Summary
Few things bond a family more than shared tales and experiences. Not only is storytelling fun — who doesn’t love hearing about the good-natured scrapes a parent got into when they were their age or what life was like in the “olden” days for grandma — but the regular exchange of stories, be they personal histories or tales of fiction, can make a significant positive impact on your child’s development.
Storytelling allows young children to become familiar with sounds, words and language while simultaneously sparking their imaginations. It deepens literacy skills and stimulates curiosity. And kids from families who regularly speak of their history enjoy higher self-esteem, stronger self-concepts, better coping skills and greater resiliency. Parents and caregivers benefit, too, because sharing stories with and reading to children promotes strong, long-lasting relationships.
Why is storytelling so powerful?