You’ve seen it happen.
Your child is running around, bouncing off the walls, energy levels through the roof—until you start reading them a story.
Suddenly, they stop. They sit. They listen. Their little brows furrow, their eyes widen, and for the next few minutes, they’re completely locked in.
It’s almost like magic. But it’s not magic. It’s hard wired into our biology.
Stories hijack the human brain. They transport us, teach us, shape our beliefs, and influence our behaviour—often without us even realising it. And for children, storytelling is more than just entertainment; it’s a developmental superpower.
From expanding their vocabulary to helping them understand emotions, storytelling is one of the most effective ways to teach kids about the world, right from the comfort of their bedtime routine.
But here’s the wild part: This doesn’t just apply to kids. We adults are just as susceptible to the power of stories as well.
That’s why we binge-watch shows, get hooked on novels, and are more likely to remember a good story than a list of dry facts.
So what exactly is happening in our brains when we hear a great story? And how can parents use this to help their children thrive?
Let’s dive into the magic behind storytelling—and why it’s one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.
Stories Are How People Have Always Made Sense of the World
Before books, before the written word, before even language itself, stories were how humans made sense of the world.
Ancient cultures passed down knowledge, wisdom, and traditions through storytelling.
The oldest recorded stories—such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or the Dreamtime stories of Aboriginal Australians—were ways of preserving history, teaching morals, and explaining natural phenomena long before science came into play.
Think about it. Long before formal education, how did children learn about danger? About right and wrong? About their ancestors?
Stories.
Every culture on Earth has its own folklore, legends, and myths designed to teach, inspire, and even control behaviour.
And the reason they’re so effective? Our brains love stories.
Why Stories Pull Us In Like Magic
Here’s where things get interesting.
When we hear a great story, something strange happens—we don’t just listen to it, we feel it.
Think about the last time you watched a really intense movie. Your heart raced. You held your breath. Maybe you even teared up a little.
That’s because stories don’t just entertain us—they pull us in.
They make us feel like we’re right there with the characters, experiencing every twist and turn alongside them.
For kids, this effect is even stronger.
When they hear a story, they’re not just imagining it—they’re living it in their heads.
That’s why they hang onto every word, why they act out their favourite tales, and why a bedtime story can be the difference between a chaotic night and a calm one.
But more importantly, stories make things stick.
Lessons about kindness, bravery, or patience don’t just go in one ear and out the other when they’re wrapped inside a good story. Kids don’t just hear the message—they feel it.
And when we feel something, we remember it.
That’s the real magic of storytelling.
Stories That Shape Behaviour—Even Through Fear
Many cultures around the world take storytelling beyond bedtime tales. Some use it to scare children into behaving.
Take the Philippines, for example. Parents warn children about the Aswang—a shape-shifting monster that preys on people at night. Or the Manananggal, a terrifying creature that splits in half and flies at night, hunting for those who dare to wander alone after dark.
In Japan, similar folklore exists. There’s the 口裂け女 (Slit-Mouthed Woman), a ghostly figure who asks people if she is beautiful—answer wrong, and she’ll cut your face. Then there’s Teke-Teke, the vengeful spirit of a girl who lost her legs and now drags herself along the ground at night, seeking revenge.
Even in the West, we see milder versions of this. Santa has a “naughty list.” The Boogeyman lurks in the dark for kids who refuse to sleep.
Are these stories a bit intense? Sure. But they serve a purpose. They instil caution, reinforce rules, and create strong emotional anchors that keep children safe.
Because when a lesson is wrapped inside a story, kids don’t forget it.
Stories Influence Adults Too
Now, if you think storytelling’s influence stops in childhood, think again.
As adults, stories still shape our decisions, beliefs, and emotions every single day.
Ever cried during a movie? That’s storytelling at work.
Ever been convinced to buy something because of an ad that told a powerful story instead of just listing features? That’s storytelling at work.
Ever felt attached to a character in a book—even though they’re fictional? That’s storytelling at work.
Think about news headlines.
A dry statistic about climate change might not grab your attention. But a story about a family losing their home to rising sea levels? That sticks. That moves people to act.
Even marketing is built on storytelling. Brands don’t just sell products. They sell stories about lifestyle, transformation, and identity.
So, if stories are powerful enough to sway public opinion, influence purchases, and change minds—imagine how powerful they are for shaping a developing child’s brain.
How You as a Parent Can Use Storytelling to Their Advantage
So, knowing all this, how can us parents harness storytelling to help their children grow?
Here are a few ways:
Read to Them Daily
Even when they can read on their own, hearing stories builds deeper emotional connections and improves comprehension.
Use Stories to Teach Life Lessons
Instead of saying, “Be kind”, tell them a story about a character who learned kindness and how it changed their life.
Let Them Tell Their Own Stories
Encourage kids to make up stories. This boosts creativity, confidence, and cognitive skills.
Make Everyday Life a Story
Struggling to get them to eat veggies? Turn it into a story about “Super Strength Broccoli” that makes them grow stronger.
Expose Them to Diverse Stories
Different cultures, different perspectives. This builds empathy and understanding from an early age.
Bottom line is...
Stories aren’t just entertainment. They’re brain fuel.
They’re how kids learn. How they imagine. How they make sense of the world.
And whether it’s through an ancient myth, a bedtime story, or the latest Pixar film—every story they absorb is shaping who they become.
Give our Child the Gift of Storytelling—And the Best Start in Life
The power of storytelling isn’t just something to admire—it’s something to use.
The right stories can inspire courage, nurture kindness, and teach resilience.
At Centenary Childcare Centre, we understand just how powerful storytelling is for a child’s development.
That’s why we incorporate books, imaginative play, and engaging storytelling into our daily curriculum—helping children in Mount Ommaney, Middle Park, and surrounding areas build strong literacy skills, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning.
Through interactive storytime, role-play, and creative expression, we nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence—all in a safe, supportive environment designed to help your child thrive.
If you’re looking for a leading childcare centre in Mount Ommaney that prioritises education, creativity, and personal growth, then Centenary Childcare Centre is the perfect place for your little one.
Come check out our programs via the link below and see how we can set your child up for success.
Because the best stories start with a great beginning.
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