In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art of telling their
stories to their kids. Here are some reasons why these stories are so
beneficial, both for you and your kids:
1. Use them to teach lessons about life. Stories will stimulate
conversations with your kids more effectively than lecturing, or "trying
to get them to talk." There are a lot of issues happening for your kids
these days, and stories give them a chance to reflect on them.
2. Stories connect your kids with previous generations. In a society
that seems to have families spread out all over, it's vitally important
to have ways for your kids to feel connected to their extended families.
3. Stories stimulate your kids' imagination. One of the best ways to
prepare your kids for the world is to engage them in vivid stories that
stir their imagination. Kids who are exposed to these kinds of stories
will be the creative problem-solvers of the future.
4. Kids who are exposed to stories will continue the tradition with
their own families. Knowing that your family traditions and stories will
be carried on by future generations is very comforting, as well as a
great benefit for your children's children.
5. Stories can encourage your kids when they're discouraged.
Childhood can get pretty discouraging sometimes. Kids are encouraged
when they know Mom or Dad have experienced the
same kinds of things, and they've survived.
6. Telling your stories helps you remember your own childhood.
Telling your kids about your childhood is a great way for you to
remember and reflect on what was important about your past.
7. Telling stories helps to create depth and soul in your kids. In a TV
and media-crazy culture, telling stories can capture and hold your kids'
attention, and convey real meaning. It's a way to show your kids what's
really important in your life.
8. Telling stories to your kids tells them they're worth the time. Is
there anything more important than showing your kids that you want to
spend intimate time with them? They'll remember it forever.
9. Telling stories is a great chance to convey your values. Your kids
will be getting quite a few messages from their friends, and from
popular culture. Stories are a great opportunity to sneak in a few of
your cherished values for your kids to hear.
10. Well-crafted stories create a wonderful mind-set for your kids
before they fall asleep. Kids will fall asleep faster, and with
healthier images, when you tell them your stories.
Creating a ritual of telling your stories will create a lifetime of
memories for your kids. It will deepen your relationship, and show them
how much you care.
And, it's never too late to start.
Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, coaches busy parents by phone to balance
their life and improve their family relationships. For a FREE twenty
minute sample session by phone; a FREE ecourse, ebooks, courses,
articles, and a FREE newsletter, go to
http://www.markbrandenburg.com
or email him at
mark@markbrandenburg.com
Inside The Minds Of
School-age Kids
How do we help our kids through tough times in school? I think the
biggest road block is finding out what is going on at school. Oh sure,
they will tell us about the comings and goings of kids and who got in
trouble during casual conversations in the car or at the dinner table.
But how often do they share the things that are worrying them most?
Aren't They All Our Children?
There may be no greater question for our generation. And how we answer that
question will determine the shape of our world for years to come...
Advantages Of Raising A Bilingual
Child
There is no doubt that raising a bilingual child takes a great deal of effort
and commitment from the parents. Is it worth it?
Motivating Your Children To Get Things
Done
If you have children, you know how hard it can be to get them to do the
things they should, and how frustrating. When the kids are distracted, convincing
them to take care of their household chores and other
responsibilities can be a real challenge.
Delightful Musical Activities and
Imaginative Play You Can Enjoy With Your Child
Today's parents are learning more about their child's unique developmental
process, and the shared learning experience that creates a unique bond as the
child associates learning with fun, musical play. Here are some delightful
activities you can do with your child.
How Old is Too Old to
Become a Mother? Britain's Oldest Mum-To-Be is 66.
The papers are full of the news about Elizabeth Munro, due to become the oldest
Mum in Britain at 66. As you might expect, there are opinions left, right and
sideways about whether this is "right." But on what grounds should this woman
and her pregnancy be judged, if at all?
Think You Know How to Handle These 10
Parenting Emergencies? Think Again!
There have been times over the years when I've seriously thought the words
"parenting" and "emergency" were one and the same. You probably have, too, as
kids tend to get into things when you turn your head for just a second. So,
let's look at some common emergency situations and see the wrong and right way
to handle them... Editor's note: I thought I was well-up on emergency
procedures and first aid, but this article has made me think again. Well worth
reading!
