“We are a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories.”

Jonathan Gottschall, The Story Telling Animal

Storytelling is not just a form of entertainment. It is an experience that brings us to closer to those with whom we choose to share our tales. It is one of the oldest form of entertainment, and a chance to escape from this world for a little while.

My sisters and I were always excited whenever my aunts or my mom would tell us stories. We would beg for them. This is a positive memory I have of my childhood. When a very busy adult took the time to entertain us, it was special.

And I still remember the stories. Maybe one day I will right them down. My mom would tell us stories about Ali Baba and the 40 thieves, about 10-Tailed Monkey that wanted to go to school, and lot of stories about squirrels. I have retold some of these stories to my daughter and my nieces.

The Stories about Ourselves

I tell my daughter stories about my childhood, and yes, stories about my siblings and my parents. These are personal stories-sometimes funny and very honest. These are stories I would not share with other people filled with real experiences and childhood dreams and fear. With these stories, I open a doorway onto myself, where my daughter can see the real me–the imperfect me and not just this supermom I try to be.

For me it is important to know that the people around her are very much like her. They get disappointed, they have fear and dreams and that they make mistakes too. It brings perspective into her life.

I feel these oral traditions are important to creating moments. They are a way my daughter will get to know us. It is a part of us she can keep long after we are gone.

Tall Tales and Other Fantastic Stories

This is storytelling we are talking about. It is not a report. Most stories that were orally passed down weren’t meant to be taken literally and were meant to leave you with a sense of wonderment. Nobody fact-checked Star Wars or Harry Potter. No cross-examination were done the Lord of the Ring . Some of the greatest tales are in fact tall tales.

In addition, to coming up with my own tall tales, I retell the classics and other tales I have come across. Of course, I modify the stories to suit a child. I have told her the story of Moby-Dick, Super Girl, and Cupid and Psyche. When she was younger, I would tell her classical children’s stories like Goldilocks and the 3 bears and the three little Pigs. Those tales can be so animated, they are perfect for storytelling, but I do not limit myself to children’s stories. However, I do modify it to be appropriate.

Stories are the beginning of the journey.

Although I read to my daughter all the time, I feel like this is different. It is more interactive and personal. I know I am making an impression when she looks up at me with her eyes open wide and her mouth a gap. “Then what happens?” she will ask if I stop for a while. This is often followed by other curious questions. When I would first tell her these stories, I was surprised at how much she remembered months later and how often she would request it months later.

More so than reading a book, I feel like the oral stories grab her attention. My daughter will take it a step further and wants to know more. These lead to more questions and a hungry mind. “Can you show me a picture of Moby-Dick?” “Why were they hunting whales?”

In case you are wondering if hunting Shamu will lead to emotional distress in a child, consider what happens in children’s stories. Both of Cinderella’s parents are dead, and she is abused by a step-mother. Both of Snow White’s parents are dead and she is being chased by an evil witch. The big bad wolf is trying to eat everyone and is successful at eating Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother. These are too close to home–the whale is not.

Anytime is a Good Time for a Story!

The cave women in me loves the idea of telling stories around a fire, but anytime the occasion calls for it is a good time. Stressful rides to the doctor’s office are also a perfect time as are bath times and long car rides.

I also occasionally have my daughter tell the story. I love hearing her tell me the story back.

There should be children’s version of the classics. I am planning on adding scripts for these stories to my website. Check back with us if you are interested.