Connecting with your child is probably the most important thing you can do as a parent. It is a time when you can bond together and enjoy being with each other. But with our busy lives, sometimes it feels hard to find those moments of genuine connection. That’s where stories come in. They’re not just for bedtime anymore!
Stories Are More Than What We See
Stories can be a powerful tool for bonding, teaching, and creating lasting memories with your child. It’s about more than just reading words on a page; it’s about sharing an experience with what to see. Here are the following points to use stories to connect with your child:
- Making it a ritual
- Performing instead of just reading
Make it a Ritual – It’s Better That Way
Choose a regular time for storytelling. It can be anything. Maybe it’s before bed, during breakfast, or on a weekend afternoon. Having a predictable routine makes it something you both look forward to. It doesn’t have to be long—even 15-20 minutes can make a difference.
Don’t Just Read, Perform!
Put some life into it! Use different voices for different characters. Act out scenes, make sound effects, and don’t be afraid to be silly. The more engaging you are, the more your child will be drawn into the story.
Telling A Great Story
So you may be asking, how will I connect with my child with stories? I hear you. It’s not always easy to know where to start, or how to keep them engaged. I want to be able to guide you on that and be sure that you succeed, to see your child’s face light up with joy and laughter. It’s a truly magical feeling. Here are some of the best ways I’ve found to make storytime a real connection builder:
- Go beyond book
- Share your stories
Go Beyond the Book
Once you’ve finished the story, don’t just close the book and move on. Talk about it! Ask your child what they liked, what they didn’t like, and what they thought about the characters. This encourages critical thinking and helps them connect with the story on a deeper level.
Share Your Stories
Stories don’t always have to come from books. Share stories from your own life – funny things that happened to you as a child or even just stories about your day. This helps your child see you as a real person and strengthens your bond.
Using stories to connect with your child is about creating shared experiences, fostering a love of reading, and building stronger relationships. It’s about making memories that will last a lifetime.
Melanie Crumpton – A Great Storyteller
Do you want your child to bond with you with the art of storytelling? If so, read Think And Grow Your Dreams by Melanie Crumpton. Melanie is a passionate storyteller, writer, and advocate for the power of dreams, imagination, and how your thoughts become things.
You can buy the book at https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Dreams-Melanie-Crumpton/dp/1966468083/. Cheers!
