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Story & Book Sites
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1. Use stories 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 childhood stories helps you remember your own experiences as a child.
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 your 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.
About the Author: Mark
Brandenburg MA, CPCC, coaches busy parents by phone to balance their
life and improve their family
relationships.
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