Storytelling plays a vital role in a world where people and families feel disconnected!
Since the dawn of time, parents have used storytelling to teach their kids about their family history and to help them understand who they are and where they came from in the world. Family stories help kids grow up with strong family values and a sense of higher confidence and self esteem.
Many people go through life with a sense of regret when they get older for not having recorded recollections of their uncle, mother, father, grandparents, siblings, and even close friends and neighbors.
Storytelling is more than just talking about history. Stories teach next generations how to develop social, communication, literacy, and listening skills, while fostering creativity and imagination.
The Benefits of Family Storytelling
A study from the University of Nevada showed that when parents tell stories to their kids in detail about past events from growing up or interesting facts about their family – these children demonstrate better behaviors around other children and are more understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
Those children also showed improved listening in school and higher confidence to talk during class when reading books and plays out loud.
Telling stories is a great way to encourage language development in young children, while also creating stronger bonds within their families by hearing stories about their ancestors and relatives. It also gives them a broader understanding of the different traditions and cultures that exist in the world.
Regardless of background and ethnicity, there is always a story to tell that future generations can learn from.
Bridging the connection between relatives
You, your parents, your grandparents, and your great grand-parents have untold stories that are waiting to be shared to connect your family’s history and roots. These stories are vital in connecting families past and present.
From talking about a family member’s first car to buying their first house and family reunions – each story gives an everlasting impression of how they grew up, lived their lives, and what they did for fun during that era. It’s a connection – especially from older relatives that help bring generations closer and create strong family bonds.
What to talk about
It’s not hard to tell a story because everyone has done something that is interesting.
A day from school that made you laugh or an event that you remember very clearly, like your first fight, first kiss, or first theater play, is a good story. These kinds of stories everyone can relate to at some point in their lives that help bring people closer by sharing information.
Talk about hobbies, fascinations, life journeys, life transitions, the bad times and good times, the jobs you did to get where you are now.
Everyone has a story to tell from all age groups that will interest someone, and when we share these stories with our family and friends, there is always a lesson from each story that we can learn from or relate to.
Storytelling is how we keep memories alive for generations to relive and reminisce – and with today’s technology, it is even easier to share these stories with photos, collections, and files that will enhance the viewer’s connection with those most important to them.