“Can we tell a Jimmy the Mouse story tonight?” my 5-year-old daughter, Taylor, begs. I smile and nod as we snuggle in bed. “Once upon a time,” I whisper, “there lived a little mouse named Jimmy…” My father started telling interactive bedtime stories about Jimmy when I was a boy, 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 us. In other words, shared experiences like storytelling create a “glue” that bonds family members. If you don’t have a Jimmy story of your own, look at pictures in a book with your child and ask her what she thinks will happen next. Then take turns making up your own story. It’s that special time together that is so meaningful.
2. They foster family traditions.
An interactive story can cultivate a family tradition as members anticipate the regular experience. Researchers found that participating in family traditions reinforces the family identity, provides a sense of belonging, and helps members learn about its history. Here are some weekly, monthly, and yearly traditions to try.
3. They pass along beliefs and values.
Another great benefit of interactive bedtime stories is that they provide a way to share 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 teach values. Kids never want to miss hearing an exciting story.
4. 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 in 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 for 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 teenage fascination. But until that time, Dad, Taylor, and Jimmy will continue spending time exploring the world.Â
What character would you invent to begin telling interactive bedtime stories?
Used with permission from Greg Smalley, Psy.D. Dr.Smalley is vice president of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family. He has authored or co-authored almost 20 books on marriage and family.Â
