Sharing family stories with your children benefits them in the most positive way!
Experimental studies show that when parents learn to reminisce about everyday events and share their family history with their children, those children benefit in many ways.
To keep it short and sweet, here are some of the benefits:
1. Children tell richer, more complete narratives to other adults one to two years later compared to children whose parents didn’t learn the new reminiscing techniques.
2. These children are more likely to better understand other people’s thoughts and emotions.
3. These advanced narrative and emotional skills serve children well in the school years when reading complex material and learning to get along with others.
4. In the preteen years, they often have higher self-esteem and stronger self-concepts.
5. Adolescents have more robust identities, better coping skills, and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Family storytelling can help a child grow into a person who feels connected to the important people in their lives. They better understand who they are and where they came from.
*Continue reading bedtime stories to your children, but why not throw in a family story too!
