dirtyDogStink

Her Story Time

Wednesday, September 24 2008

You might be thinking right now that I'm referring to that nostalgic time right before bed when the parent reads a book [or two or three] to their adoring child.  The two of you enthusiastically search her little library for just the right book and then you sit down on the floor with her in your lap and a big smile on both your faces.  That would be a logical assumption, but not exactly what I'm talking about.

Do you let your child tell you stories?

And I don't mean letting them read their favorite books to you from memory.  Yes, my 4-1/2 year old daughter can do this and I was [and still am] pretty damn excited about it.  No, I'm talking about listening to them unfold their own, completely original tale of drama, comedy and sorrow.  Do you let them tell you stories?

Just the other night we went in to my daughters room for the usual 'story time' where I read her a few books.  She was already playing with her Dora castle, animal figures and Matchbox cars by the time I showed up.  So I sat down and listened to her for a good ten minutes.  I don't remember much of the plot, but the animals and Dora figures traveled to a friend's house [the fairies' tree house across the room], used her Leapster 2 as their potty, went to sleep for the night, woke up in the morning and even had an argument. All I did was listen and of course, smile. 

She had a grand time telling the story and I enjoyed watching her imagination run free.  I still read her a book, but I think her story was the highlight of that night's bedtime routine.

For more ways to encourage your child's imagination check out 7 Ways to Foster Creativity in Your Kids, an article at Science for Raising Happy Kids.

~tod