Telling stories and listening to stories has become a daily practice in our home over the past few weeks, at bedtime, the end of a meal, and other times too. Shabbat used to be our weekly story time when we would tell stories from the Torah portion and other inspiring stories. We are finding that telling stories is a beautiful way of connecting with each other and uplifting for us all.
The human brain is wired for stories. That is how we connect with each other. Brene Brown talks about the importance of telling our own story in her writing. Storytelling has been highly researched and it has been found to be beneficial to our cognitive and emotional development. It helps us learn to take on another’s perspective, builds listening skills, language skills (ie. new words and phrases), and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Here are some ideas for incorporating storytelling into your home.
Make storytelling a ritual - whether it’s at mealtime, bedtime, or any time you choose, children will always remember and cherish those stories you tell. Rituals make children feel safe and secure in their environment and nurtures a sense of belonging in their family.
Read from a book or make up your own. Weaving our very own original stories takes us into our imagination which is something wonderful for us right now. Esther Perel, relationship expert shared this week something that I love. The idea that using our imagination is freedom from confinement. Storytelling is also part of play, giving us a chance to go into a different place in our minds (also referred to as the story listening trance phenomenon) and lose track of time, which can be healing.
Repeat the same stories - You know those books that you read to your kids so many times that you can’t get them out of your head? Reading them over and over again is beneficial to children. I relish in the moments when my children beg for us to tell that story again please! Especially when early reading skills are developing, rereading a book allows the child to read along with you. It also build memory and helps them learn the flow and behaviours involved in reading (eg. appropriate tone of voice, respecting punctuation, and following the lines on the page).
This weekend take out one of your child’s favourites and read it with them. Tell them a story from your childhood. I guarantee you will both walk away feeling a sense of connection and joy! Have a great weekend and Shabbat shalom! 😘❤️
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