The Power of Storytelling

     Sharing your own stories with your children to illustrate a lesson you have learned over the years is a powerful teaching tool. Everyone loves a story. You can be almost certain your children will listen with better attention to a well told story as opposed to advice. Almost no one likes to be told what to do. Through the telling of a story, a child's mind is opened up to the possibilities in a situation. Of course, the story must be told in such a manner that it holds the child's interest. To do this, think back on the stories you found interesting as a child. What was it about them that moved you or excited you? Oftentimes it is as much in the telling of the story as it is in the story itself. Using expressive language and voice helps.
       You might think that you don't have any stories worth telling. I'll bet  that you do! There are many times in your life when you have made a decision that was the right one, or the wrong one. Why did you make that particular decision over other choices and how did it work out for you?
     You may not have climbed the highest mountain or fought crocodiles in Africa, but you have had to make many decisions as you grew up. The wisdom you learned from your experiences can help your children as they grow.

Keeping the Parent/Child Relationship Dynamic

In the parent/child relationship there are things happening every day that mold and change how the parent and child interact and how they view each other. Over the days, weeks and years, these things become more important and eventually will shape the relationship when the child is no longer a child. Here are a few suggestions of what a parent can do to help that relationship become a healthy one that is good for both the parent and the child.
--Let your child know the he/she is unique and that they know things you could benefit from.
--Send him/her a handwritten note with your reflections on your relationship.
--Don't try to impress your child that you are perfect. Let them know you are aware that you have your imperfections and
   you are trying to deal with them.
--Share with your children the stories of your life and the stories you remember of your parents. Write them down.
--Keep a journal of the life of your children from the time they are born until they are eighteen. Present the journal to your
   child when they are about to have their own child.
Perhaps you have some other ideas. Please share them with us.