Storytelling Spice Mix for Parents

By Aarti Totuka in Latest Blog on September 30, 2020

Post Views: 901

Want to tell stories to your children? Do you feel confused as a parent or doubt your storytelling capability.? Is there a correct way to tell stories? How often should I tell stories? Do I need special abilities to tell stories to my child? Most new parents have these set of questions before they set out on their storytelling journey.

As a Parent and a Professional Storyteller I would answer these questions for you. There isn’t a fixed formula for telling stories to your child, it is similar to family recipes. Here’s is my list of herbs and spices.

1. You’re the Best Storyteller for Your Child

As a parent you’re the best storyteller for your child. As humans we all love stories and we are natural storytellers. Its innate in us. We are constantly telling ourselves stories. For a child there can be no better person than his parent to tell him stories. As you will add your cultural taste and personal flavour. Children absorb your persona and energy through your stories. Hence, never doubt yourself. You don’t need any special abilities to tell stories to your child. Just be honest to yourself and the story that you will share. Be patient with yourself as a storytelling parent.

2. Tell Your Story

If you are an expecting parent or already a parent, I would highly recommend to tell your personal stories to your kids. They are the best stories to share with your child. Why personal stories? Because through personal stories you transmit your learnings gained from real life experiences to your child. Your personal stories convey your culture, traditions, family values and your heritage to your child. This plays a key role in shaping your child’s personality.

3. Choose a Setting and Time

Make Story Time a special experience for your child. If possible, allot a special place in your house for storytelling; it can be a couch, drawing room, bedroom, a corner, a nook, or a tent made out of bedsheet anyplace that suits you. You can have some source of real and artificial light, buntings or wind chimes, cushions and bed to make it comfortable and a soothing experience.

Another key element is to set a particular time of the day only for storytelling. I highly recommend sticking with the time and make it a part of your child’s daily rhythm.

4. Stories by Heart Not by Memory

Stories when told from heart makes instant connect. I recommend not to use a book in front of your child when you are beginning your storytelling journey with your child. If telling someone else’s story, memorize it first, season it, and add your spices. Then it will become your story. While sharing the story with your 5 senses you are building the connect with your child. You are becoming his confidant. This strengthens your bond with your child. Undoubtedly oral storytelling enhances imagination.

As your child’s first storyteller you’ll help your child discover the world through stories and learn about your cultural heritage and value systems while having fun.

Come join me, KathaVachak Khushboo, as we explore the world of storytelling, drama, public speaking together. My upcoming posts shall feature more on how to enhance the flavours in your Storytelling Spice Mix.

By KathaVachak Khushboo