“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” ― Philip Pullman
Those who grew up on stories of their father’s boyhood know the importance of a ‘storyteller’ dad. There is nothing like watching the stars with your father, taking long walks in streets, and listening to bedtime stories. An adventurous tale not just makes kids happy and excited; it is a great way to make your kid understand the importance of storytelling. The art of storytelling is old and popular, but in the recent times, we have given it away to Hollywood movies, and video games.
Make no mistake: Television, video games and reading is important but there is nothing like a ‘story teller’ dad. No other activity creates a connection as incredibly as storytelling. Daddy’s stories give kids an opportunity to understand their father’s personality better, have happy childhood memories and give an opportunity to a father to spend quality time with his children.
Due to busy schedules and stressful lives, most dads have replaced the art of storytelling with electronic gadgets. A few fathers can still be creative and successfully utter an adventurous tale of panchatantra, especially by the end of a hectic day at work, while others get that sudden brain freeze the moment their kid utters the phrase, “I want a story.” Today, the electronic medium has made us a consumer of stories; therefore, we do not create any of our own. And in that surrender, we do not realize what we are taking away from our child.
We understand that not every father is a writer. Hence, here are a few tips that may turn you into an amazing story teller because even if you do not have the imagination of Ruskin Bond, we know that you are a loving dad who wants to tell some of the most amazing stories to your kid.
If you run out of ideas, involve your kid and make stories together. Ask your child to give you a character – a girl with magic powers or a boy with a sheep. This will make the process even more entertaining and you will be amazed to see the creative side of your kid.
It is said that a girl child likes certain kind of story topics, while boys enjoy a different genre. Do not follow the stereotypical ‘girls like fairy tales,’ and ‘boys like adventure’ pattern. Instead, understand your kid and know what they like.
To add to the fun, you may use picture cards. Ask your kids to pick any three or four story cards and create a story around those characters. This will excite your kid and give you a great story idea.
Hope the above mentioned tips prove to be helpful. Keep the art of storytelling alive and make it a habit because who knows how a single story can change the perspective of your child.
And as Erin Morgenstern very creatively wrote, “You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move them and drive them and who knows that they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift.”
Have any childhood story that changed your life forever? Share with us in the comments section!
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