Hey there, fellow story lovers! It’s Bryce here, and today I want to chat about something really close to my heart – how storytelling shapes our little ones. You know, after years of writing and watching kids light up at story time, I’ve seen firsthand just how powerful a good tale can be.
## **Why Stories Matter More Than We Think**
Okay so here’s the thing. When I visit places like Playful Platypus and see all those beautiful children’s books by Gary Campbell, I get this warm fuzzy feeling. Not just cause they’re pretty (though Trevor’s art definitely helps!), but because I know each one of those books is like… a tiny time machine for development.
Stories aren’t just entertainment. They’re brain food. Seriously.
## **The Magic That Happens During Story Time**
Ever notice how kids lean in when you’re reading to them? Their eyes get all wide, maybe their mouth hangs open a little? That’s not just cute – that’s their brain literally growing new connections.
Here’s what’s happening:
– **Language explosion** – Kids pick up new words faster than you can say “platypus”
– **Emotional intelligence** – They learn to understand feelings (theirs AND others)
– **Problem-solving skills** – Every story conflict teaches them to think through challenges
– **Memory muscles** – Remembering plot points? That’s workout time for their brain
## **Building Empathy, One Page at a Time**
This is the big one for me. When a child reads about a character who’s scared or happy or confused… they’re practicing empathy. They’re literally learning to walk in someone else’s shoes.
I remember this one kid – let’s call her Sophie – who was super shy. Her mom started reading her stories about brave little animals going on adventures. Six months later? Sophie was the first one volunteering for show-and-tell. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
## **The Creativity Connection**
You want to know something cool? Kids who hear lots of stories become better storytellers themselves. And I’m not just talking about writing. I mean:
– They play more imaginatively
– They solve problems more creatively
– They express themselves better
– They’re more confident trying new things
It’s like… stories give them permission to dream bigger.
## **Reading Together vs Screen Time**
*deep breath* Okay, controversial topic alert. Look, I’m not anti-screen. But there’s something special about holding a real book together. The snuggling, the page-turning, the pointing at pictures…
When you’re reading a physical book with your child:
– You’re making eye contact
– You’re having conversations
– You’re building memories
– You’re showing them that reading is important enough for your time
## **How to Make Story Time Even More Powerful**
Want to supercharge the benefits? Try these:
**Ask questions** – “What do you think happens next?” “How do you think they feel?”
**Connect to real life** – “Remember when you felt brave like that?”
**Let them “read” to you** – Even if they’re making it up from the pictures
**Visit different story worlds** – Mix it up with different types of books
## **The Long-Term Impact**
Here’s what really gets me excited. Kids who grow up with stories become adults who:
– Communicate better
– Have stronger relationships
– Are more creative problem-solvers
– Show more empathy
– Love learning
Basically? Stories help create awesome humans.
## **Start Today (Seriously, Today)**
If you’re reading this and thinking “I should read more with my kids”… do it. Tonight. Grab one of those beautiful books from your local shop, snuggle up, and dive in.
Your kid won’t remember every toy you bought them. But they’ll remember the stories you shared. Trust me on this one.
And hey – if you need some recommendations, places like Playful Platypus have curated collections that make choosing easy. Sometimes the hardest part is just starting.
## **The Bottom Line**
Stories aren’t just nice-to-have. They’re essential. They’re how we pass on wisdom, build connections, and help little minds grow into big, beautiful, creative ones.
So tonight? Pick up a book. Any book. And watch the magic happen.
*Until next time, keep those pages turning!*
-Bryce
