It’s hard to deny that https://bedtimestory.kids have a magical quality. When the day is winding down and the night sky begins its nightly watch, a good story can take children to a magical land where anything seems possible. Imagine you are snuggled up under a blanket and the room is dimly lit with a bedside light. Your child’s wide eyes are filled with excitement. It’s at this moment that magic happens.
During the past, storytelling was a skill that was handed down from generation to generations. Grandparents would tell stories of epic sagas, folklore and wisdom that was timeless. Though we may rely on picturebooks or eReaders today, the essence is still unchanged. All it takes is to spark imaginations and create connections.
Remember the nights you spent as a little child? Maybe you had a favourite story that you asked to be told over and over. Perhaps it was a story about brave knights fighting dragons or clever creatures outwitting their foes. What ever it was, the story left a permanent mark on you.
Jenny is a good friend who always shares stories with her children about her childhood in Ireland. One night she told a story about leprechauns hiding gold pots at the end of rainbows. Her son’s curious eyes twinkled as he inquired if they might find one. Jenny laughed as she said, “Only when we’re fortunate enough!” The simple exchange inspired countless adventures to be had in their backyard, searching for hidden treasures.
The art of telling bedtime stories is not only in the content, but in how it’s delivered. Shakespeare is not required to tell an engaging story. The key to a successful tale is how it is delivered. Add sound effects, add dramatic pauses and use different voices. The more animated you can be, the more your audience will become engaged.
One evening, I decided to make up a story instead of reading one from my niece Lily’s usual book collection. I started out with a normal girl who ended up in a forest full of talking trees and mischievous fairy. Lily’s laughter turned to gasps at each plot twist.
It’s not necessary to create a story on the fly or use mythical creatures. Even real-life tales can be effective. Share anecdotes from your own childhood. For example, the time when you built a treehouse and got stuck halfway up until Dad came to rescue you with his ladder.
A good mix is always a good thing! Try a mix of classics like “Cinderella”, “Jack and the Beanstalk” and modern favorites such as “Harry Potter”. You could also include cultural myths around the world, like Anansi tales from West Africa and Japanese folktales about kitsune fox spirits.
Interactive elements can enhance bedtime stories even further! You can ask questions along the way, such as “What do YOU believe will happen next?” You can also let them choose from two possible paths. Will our hero ascend the mountain, or will he venture into the cavern? The kids will be co-creators instead of passive listeners.
What’s another tip? Use humor! Even silly voices will make mundane moments memorable. I used to laugh so hard when my dad read “Green Eggs and Ham,” I was rolling on the floor before Sam-I Am even said his bizarre breakfast!
Last, and perhaps most important: bedtime stories can be a time of bonding between a parent (or grandparent), a child, & sacrament where worries are forgotten amid laughter & wonderment.
As you tuck your little ones in bed, think beyond the routines.