What’s one of the best ways to teach your child to talk, learn about her family, and feel good about herself? Reality entertainment. Really!

No, not the kind of drama you see on T.V. We’re talking about true stories about you and your family members.

In Real Time
Family stories are great because you can tell them anywhere and anytime — no batteries or books required. Do you have a few minutes while waiting in the check-out line? Tell your child the story of the day he was born. Stuck in traffic? Tell your child about your favorite foods when you were little. Then ask him to share his favorites. Have a baby? Show him family photos. Point to and talk about the people in them. Planning a holiday gathering? Talk about which family members will be there, and interesting details about them.

"Oh...really?"
Children love to hear family stories. As they listen, they learn. Every time you tell “about the time when,” your child gains a greater understanding of you, her history and culture. As your child gets older, she can participate, too. Encourage your child to retell family stories with you.  Ask her questions that she can answer and talk about memories you both share, such as: “Remember when we helped grandma bake a cake?”   

The reality is that hearing family stories helps a child learn about language, his family and himself while also building listening skills and a love of storytelling. When he gets old enough to watch reality T.V., perhaps he’ll choose to tell his own story instead.

Special thanks to Jennifer Geringer, PhD, Roberta Golnikoff, PhD, Charles Perfetti, PhD and Nina Sazer O’Donnell for the generous donation of their valuable time and expertise in reviewing this edition of Bits of Understanding.

Civitas thanks Parents as Teachers, an international early childhood parent education and family support program, for their ongoing support. This Civitas tool was adapted for the Born Learning campaign.

© 2006 Civitas