Are you a grandparent who loves telling your grandkids stories about your childhood? Do you regale them with tales of their parents’ shenanigans when they were younger? You're doing a wonderful thing, since sharing stories like these can enhance your grandchildren’s overall development. According to research, family storytelling helps children in many ways. Children who know their family history have lower levels of anxiety, fewer behavior problems, and a better understanding of people's emotions.

In most families, storytime usually happens during family visits in the summertime or around the holiday season. Telling new stories (or a repeat of the epic tale of Grandpa trying to outrun an ostrich) has become a well-loved tradition. If you're thinking about starting a new tradition with your grandkids, consider making storytime a part of your activities when you gather the family together. Not only are they fun for everyone, but the act of telling family lore can have a positive effect on your loved ones’ mental and social health. Here's what you need to know about the power of storytelling in family visits.

How Storytelling Boosts Children's Self-Esteem

Kids are harder to impress these days, and it takes a bit of effort to get their attention since they always have devices or toys to keep them occupied. However, parents and grandparents can capture their little ones' interest by sharing childhood stories at get-togethers. Knowing that their parents and grandparents did silly or amazing things when they were little will not only amuse kids, it can also boost their self-worth. 

Being told family stories can increase a child's sense of belonging, and research shows that children who are told stories by older family members have higher self-esteem because they feel that they are part of something bigger. Since they have a high self-worth, they’re better at dealing with everyday problems and stress, and they also have the confidence to try new or unfamiliar things. Each moment spent with your grandkids can be a prime opportunity for storytelling. So on your trip to the beach or park with your grandkids this fall, tell them stories about your summer adventures from decades ago while driving them in your pickup truck. After dinner, continue telling stories and anecdotes while having dessert to keep the kids engaged.

Family Stories Can Reduce Risk of Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are some of the most common mental health disorders that children and adults are coping with today. Recent data shows that even kids as young as 3 years old have been diagnosed with depression. At the same time, 10 to 20 percent of children have an anxiety disorder. People who experience these mental health problems, whether they're young or a little older, can benefit from storytelling since they can reduce negative feelings. Parents and grandparents can feel more joyful, relaxed, and less worried while sharing stories of their childhood with the little ones. Meanwhile, some studies indicate that children who are told family stories show lower levels of anxiety and fewer behavioral problems. 

In an interview with The Washington Post, “The Secrets of Happy Families” author Bruce Feiler said that storytelling may be the antidote to any family problem. “It can help your children in their life as they navigate changes,” he said. “It can help parents grappling with health or work changes, or grandparents coping with aging and mortality.” To make the most of storytelling's mental health benefits, recall happy memories from the past and tell your grandchildren about the nice places you've been to, the best experiences that you've had as a family when their mom or dad was younger, or just something funny that happened to you as a child or teenager. Stories like these can lift anyone's mood at family gatherings, and they're worth telling again and again. 

Brush up on Your Storytelling Skills

If you want to make family storytime a part of your holiday tradition, consider brushing up on your storytelling skills. First, you'll need to create moments where everyone can tell stories and be properly heard, so have everyone gather at a particular area in your home at a certain time. Think about having everyone stay in the living room after lunch or dinner, and provide some warm drinks and sweets to get the conversation flowing. 

To get the ball rolling, keep in mind that kids love stories that are related to their own experiences. So for instance, if your grandchild says that they've joined a sports team, let them tell their story, then talk about your own experiences joining the track or football team. Be specific and add lots of relevant details to your story so they'll know that what you're sharing is something that truly happened to you. If you need something to trigger your memories, look through keepsakes or old photo albums and see what memories come to the surface. 

Telling family stories can strengthen bonds and boost children’s and adults’ happiness and well-being. Make family storytime a part of your family visits and have fun retelling old favorites and learning new tales through the years. 

Belanina S. is a retired teacher with a zest for learning, who loves exploring new topics. When she’s not writing, she’s experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, catching up on classic films, or taking a refreshing dip in the pool.