Using narratives help human beings to cope with life … reading aloud to babies and children gives them this skill for the future
During the lockdown period, many South African parents and caregivers have been left feeling worried and confused. The absence of the usual daily routines can be disorienting and frustrating. And without the safety net of school and work, family members are required to spend an unusually large chunk of time with each other.
During this time, adults and children alike form their own narratives to better understand crises. Children, like adults, seek to make sense of their world using stories. All human beings are innately storytellers. From the question: “How was your day?” to “Guess what the neighbour did?”, we arrange our days in the form of a narrative to help ourselves, and others, connect with our experiences.
An incredibly important effect of reading together with your child is the powerful bonding that occurs between adult and child during this activity. Paired, interactive storytelling where the parent and child engage in a story is an easy way to inspire conversation, curiosity and bonding – whether a written story, radio story or an oral story that you tell your child yourself.
Research has shown that this sets down the psychological blueprint for how the child may interact with the world and others later. The more positive engagement and stimulus a baby receives, the better for their overall development. Using stories as a tool for interaction with a baby — making faces, creating character voices, and showing pictures — helps to create a healthy attachment, as well as provide stimulus for cognitive development.
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