“Can we tell a Jimmy the Mouse story tonight?” begs my 5-year-old daughter, Taylor. I smiled and nodded as we snuggled in bed. “Once upon a time,” I whisper, “there lived a little mouse named Jimmy…” My father started telling interactive bedtime stories about Jimmy several years ago, and I am continuing the tradition with my kids. These nighttime stories provide powerful moments and have enhanced my relationship with Taylor.
In an interactive bedtime story, the child becomes a co-storyteller instead of passively listening. One person starts the story before saying “PASS.” The next person then takes over and adds his or her unique story content. This back-and-forth process goes on until someone ends the story. I look forward to these tender moments with my daughter. Why should you start this tradition, too? Here are 4 reasons to embrace the power of an interactive bedtime story.
1. They provide special time.
When Taylor and I tell Jimmy the Mouse stories it unites or bonds us together. In other words, shared experiences like storytelling create a “glue” that bond family members. Experts on friendship tell us that people become close by doing things together.
2. They foster family traditions.
An interactive story can cultivate a family tradition as members anticipate the regular experience. Researchers Wolin and Bennett found that families with limited or no traditions suffered more from the widespread pathologies of our day, such as alcohol and drug abuse, depression, binge eating, and family violence. On the other hand, participating in family traditions reinforces the family identity, fosters communication, provides a sense of belonging, and helps members learn crucial family rules and the family’s myths about its history.
3. They pass along beliefs and values.
Another great benefit of storytelling is that it provides a way to transmit the family’s values, attitudes, and goals. No matter what Jimmy the Mouse adventure Taylor chooses, there are endless possibilities to teach life lessons. Children, especially older children, are prone to shut down when we try to teach important values. But a story is a great medium to transmit values. Kids rarely resist hearing an exciting story.
Kids rarely resist hearing an exciting story. Click To Tweet4. They promote creative development.
A final benefit of an interactive story is how it encourages creativity and imagination. Over the years, I have been amazed at how Taylor’s creativity has increased. Her parts of the story have become much more humorous and inventive. The best part is that she recognizes her own confidence at telling stories—a skill that will be invaluable as she matures.
From passing along values to fostering creative development, an interactive story can reap countless benefits on the family. Best of all, it provides special one-on-one time that is priceless. I know that one day, Taylor will no longer be interested in Jimmy. Jimmy the Mouse will be replaced by Jimmy the Boy, or some other teenager fascination. But until that time, dad, Taylor, and Jimmy will continue spending time exploring the world. And I will continue being in Heaven.
What character would you invent to begin telling interactive bedtime stories?
Used with permission from Greg Smalley, Psy.D. Greg Smalley, Psy.D. is director of Church Relationship Ministries for the Center for Relationship Enrichment on the campus of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Greg is the author or co-author of eight books concerning marriages and families. Visit Greg at www.liferelationships.com.
