Why Are Stories Important For Children?

o you remember the stories you heard from your grandparents, uncles and parent? They were probably filled with family history, personal experiences and shared wisdom. As a child, you may have sat around the dinner table and listened to these stories with wide eyes and bated breath.

I have a very vivid memory of those very hot nights in the summer vacations when we used to visit our grandparents where our family used to sleep in the terrace and my grandfather used to tell us stories till we slept . I remember being fascinated by his stories and the way he told them.

It wasn't just the content of the story that captivated me, but also the way he narrated it. The passion in his voice, the twinkle in his eye and the expressions on his face all added to the overall experience.

In the movie Coco, Miguel the little boy is desperate to be a musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. However, his family has banned music for generations and he is forbidden to play. One night, Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead where he meets his ancestors who tell him their stories. These stories not only teach Miguel about his family’s history, but they also give him the courage to follow his dreams.

Stories have the power to connect us to our past, present and future. They can teach us about who we are and where we come from. They can also inspire us to be our best selves.

My grandfather used to tell us amazing stories of how he used to play football and his tough life working in a factory where he got eczema in his legs . As a child, I was fascinated by his experiences and felt closer to him because of them.

I remember stories of my grand mother who was working as a teacher around the 1950's, once an inspector came to verify my grandma's identity when she was making cow dung cakes which was used as fuel in the mud stove, the inspector could not believe she is the same woman who teaches in the school. He was astounded by the roles women in their lives,he folded his hands and saluted her.

Studies have shown that storytelling is a powerful way to teach children about their heritage, culture and family history. It also helps them develop a strong sense of identity. When children hear our stories, they learn about our values, traditions and beliefs. They also get a glimpse into our lives and what is important to us.

Now, as an adult, you may not give these stories much thought – but they actually played (and continue to play) a very important role in your life. Here’s why:

1. Family stories help us understand who we are

As humans, we have a need to belong and feel connected to others. Hearing family stories – especially those about our ancestors – helps us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. These stories also give us a sense of identity and help us understand where we come from.

My father used to tells us stories of how my grandfather started business when he was very young, he bought lot of properties and used to be a strict vegetarian. He had donated a lot of land to build temples. Though he had started many business ranging from selling shoe, beetle leaves and  clothes, he finally chose to stick with clothes and he created a big empire at that time but later my uncles fought amongst themselves and sadly the business was divided between all the brothers that really affected it

2. They teach us valuable life lessons

Many family stories are passed down because they teach an important lesson. For example, you may have a story in your family about someone who overcame a difficult obstacle. This story can inspire you to face your own challenges and know that you can overcome them, too.

My grandma started working early in her life as my grandpa didnt have a stable job. She took a teaching job when her kids were very young. She used to go for training in little villages. She used to be the only headmistress and she was respected deeply by the village people. When she used to come back to her home in the evening she used to find gifts like vegetables from the village people's farms in her house. She never gave up, she brought her kids with all she could do and that really inspires me.

3. They help us bond with our loved ones

Sharing stories is a great way to connect with others, both emotionally and mentally. When you hear a family story, you feel closer to the person who is sharing it with you. And when you share your own stories, you give others a chance to get to know you better.

I share a lot of boarding school stories with my son and he loves to hear them . It makes him feel closer to me and he knows more about my life. He always asks me to tell him more stories whenever we have family gatherings.

4. They give us a sense of hope

Family stories can provide comfort and hope, especially during difficult times. When you’re feeling down, hearing about how someone in your family overcame a similar challenge can give you the strength to keep going.

My mom was married very early, she was just 14 years and she was embarrassed to go to her school wearing her bangles and vermillion on her forehead (which women in our culture are supposed to wear after marriage) but she had no choice because she didn't want to drop her studies so she had to wear. Even after her marriage she continued her studies and later went on to do law.

5. They make us laugh (and sometimes cry)

Family stories are often filled with humor, love and emotion. Hearing these stories can make you laugh, cry and feel all kinds of emotions. And that’s a good thing! These stories help us to connect with our loved ones on a deeper level.

My father always shares some hilarious stories from his childhood which becomes funnier every time  he tells because we know him very well. We laugh till our stomach aches but those are the moments which we cherish for life.

6.Our stories also provide children with a sense of connection to their community.

They help them feel like they belong to something larger than themselves. When children hear our stories, they realize that they are not alone in the world and that there are others like them who share their culture and experiences.

Adi my son loves to know about my grandparents and how they were  brought up. He always asks me about the traditional clothes they used to wear and the food they used to eat. He feels more connected to his roots this way.

7. Our stories help children to see the world from a different perspective

Through our stories, they can learn about other cultures and customs. They can also gain a better understanding of the world around them and the people in it. Our stories help children to become more compassionate and tolerant of others.

My mother tells us how they could not afford very fancy dresses during festivals so my grandma used to get school dresses for them so that they could use it in the school as well  as for the festivals. She also tells us how they would make their own toys from whatever they could find around the house. Children nowadays are so used to having everything at their fingertips but hearing such stories makes them more humble and grateful for what they have.

Julia Bogart in her book Raising critical thinkers says that our self understanding influences how we interact with daily issues. We pass on our stories and expectation to our kids, who in turn form their identities. Parents and teachers teach children about their ancestors, their communities, their nation-state, their religion and their families of origin.

Julia says a self aware thinker takes stock of all those identity pieces we have collected since our childhood. A healthy education expands how a child sees their identity as one among many in the multifaceted world they inhabit.

A person rich with stories  has a treasured wealth that cannot be taken away. When we share our stories with our children, we give them a gift that will last a lifetime. My son has not seen my grandparents but  through my stories he knows them and their life experiences very well.

It is important for us to remember that our stories are not just entertaining tales; they are a valuable part of who we are. When we share them with our children, we help them to understand themselves and the world around them better.