How to Tell Interesting Stories to Your Child

An act as old as time is storytelling between parents and children...

Children
March 21, 2025

An act as old as time is storytelling between parents and children.Storytelling helps foster bonds that are helpful for the mental well-being of the child.To provide child support, it is worth developing your storytelling.Reading a story as an adult could be mundane and dull, but children have a great imagination.You could tell interesting stories to your child by dramatizing your story.It is more likely to leave a lasting impression on your child.A secret to telling interesting stories to your child is simply knowing what is interesting to your child.Sometimes your child might only care about princesses.They might be uninterested if you tell a story about ninjas when they want to hear princesses.Involving the participation of your children is a great way to tell interesting stories to your child.Observe your child's body language and engage them at various points of the stories.This might be in the form of some scares.You are in the right place to find out how to tell interesting stories to your child.

Dramatize the Story

The act of reading a story out loud in a monotonous voice is different from storytelling.It is common for children to get lost when reading or listening to something boring.If your child can not connect with the story, they will likely not follow.When dramatizing a story, children are more likely to understand the story.Consider modulating your voice for different characters in the story.It might be an opportunity to make ridiculous that stand out for your children.The dragon in your story might have a deep, wise voice.The young boy might sound like your child.The events of the story could also shape your voice.For instance, if the boy hit his foot and shrieked, you can roar in your account.Dramatizing your story certainly helps tell interesting stories to your child.You don't need to have a lot of experience performing the acts.You only need effort; children with active imaginations can do the rest.‍‍

Tweak the Story

If you are telling a famous story or reading from a storybook, be comfortable adjusting the story.This could be done if your child is already familiar with a version of the story.You could tell interesting stories to your child when you tweak the story.Sometimes children are more interested in the secondary character in a story.You might get questions asking about certain things not covered in the story.The imagination of a child could go beyond the particular story.This is where you come in.You can tweak the story to address your child's interest.Just remember to have a plan for the story because they might remind you about your version of the characters.Also, consider telling stories about values you want to teach your child.There are certain times stories might not correlate with values you agree with.It is left to you to adjust the story to your taste.

Allow Audience Participation

Be mindful of how your child receives your story.It is the easiest way to tell whether they are interested in your story.If your child looks bored, involve them directly in the story.You can encourage participation from your child by asking questions about the story.You can also ask your child to sing the songs with you.A simple way to sing would be to use a call and response system, allowing your child to repeat the chorus.A simple way to tell interesting stories to your child is to encourage their participation in the story you are describing.You could have your child read a particular character's lines.You can also ask them to act out their roles.Also, allow your child to interrupt the story with questions.Questions are a sign they were following the story and will enable them to consider understanding it.Interacting with your child will also stimulate their creativity.

A shelf of books.

Let Your Child Pick the Story

It is normal to pick the story you want to read to your child.However, sometimes consider letting your child choose the story they want to select.This could be done as a reward to your child.When you allow your child to select a story they like, you can be sure they are interested in the story.This makes it easy for you to tell interesting stories to your child.A good solution would be to allow your child one story out of the several you have selected.Consider involving your child in the selection process for when you want to buy new stories.You can allow them to pick only one book.Involving your child could help you tell engaging stories to your child.Encourage your child to give directions on what should happen next in the story.It might be more fun for your child to direct where you take the story.This will develop your child's thinking ability and creativity.

Use Soundtracks

Using a soundtrack is a great way to catch your child's attention.Borrowing a page from a movie that uses a soundtrack to elevate the acting.Consider the addition of a soundtrack to your story.If you or your child can play an instrument such as the guitar, even if it's just basic tunes.It is also acceptable to use your phone to produce the desired sound.The objective is to add to the feeling of the story.In some cases, the sound will simply be natural music.For instance, if you are reading a story that is set on the sea, ocean music would be fine for the background sound.In other cases, you could play a popular song related to the story you are telling.The sound gives a more authentic feel to the story to your child.The use of sound does not have to be too often, so your child imagines things at other times.Regardless, the various sounds could help you tell interesting stories to your child.

Conclusion

Storytelling is one of the old traditional habits between a parent and a child.Regular interactions between a parent are good for mental well-being and serve as support for children.You can tell interesting stories to your child by dramatizing your story, tweaking your account, allowing audience participation, letting your child pick the story and using various sounds.

Resources

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/parenting/bedtime-stories-for-kids.html

https://www.parentcircle.com/engaging-ways-to-tell-stories-to-children/article

https://www.artofmanliness.com/people/family/how-to-tell-awesome-stories-to-your-kids/

https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1028681/ways-to-teach-your-kids-storytelling/

https://nalibali.org/how-to/easy-ways-to-tell-stories-to-children

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Children

How can I help my child persist when things get tough?

Help your child by providing support and guidance, using positive language, highlighting the progress they have made, breaking down the challenge into smaller steps, and motivating them with positive affirmations.