Stories....kids and you

• 
  

  
  

  It doesn’t matter how old we are, we all use stories to explore our lives – past and present – and our possible future. Stories allow us to learn about the lives of our family and friends. Telling and reading stories provides a safe space to experience and make sense of the ups and downs of life.

  Stories transport us into the lives of people we’ve never known, who come from long ago and places faraway. And there are those stories that carry us away to imaginary worlds where real-life fades and fantasy takes over. We might all enjoy different stories but we all share and explore them for the same reason: they are just so satisfying!

  So, sharing stories with your children is fun and powerful! And did you know that it also has lots of other benefits too? 
• When you read or tell a story which contains feelings it helps your child accept their feelings and understand how others feel. They learn they are not alone and others may feel the same as they do. This helps them know that feelings are natural and, it is alright to have feelings.
• You can also learn how your child feels when you see them respond to feelings in the story. If they really like a book it may be because it has special meaning for them and is helping them with their feelings.
• When you read a story to your child it can show you understand how they feel. 
• If you are reading about another child (or animal) who is frightened of the dark, it helps your child in knowing that you understand their feelings about frightened  of the dark.
• Hearing or reading the story many times can help children manage their feelings or fears.
• Part of building self-esteem and confidence is knowing where you fit in the world. Stories told by parents and grandparents about family history – 'When Mummy was a little girl' – help your child develop this sense of belonging. This is even more important if you have come from another place or your family has been split up.

  Special story time at bedtime can help your child look forward to going to bed, to enjoy being close to you and to relax, ready for sleep.

  Books can help your child  escape the stresses and pressures of their world as the story takes her imagination to other wonderful places.

  Reading and telling stories can become a special sharing time. It helps children learn to love books and develop a sense of being a lovable person 

Stories help your children develop their imagination and creativity.

Stories help your children to develop their language and thinking, especially when they hear or read them in their home languages.

Stories provide examples to your children of how people meet the challenges that face them.

Children who read a lot as opposed to watching television, develop longer attention spans.

when reading feels good to children, they become readers. We all repeat things that are pleasurable.

 Children are more likely to continue to be readers in homes where books and reading are valued.

Many children remember their storytimes for the rest of their lives....Most importantly they will thrive on spending time with their parent.

•