The Role of Storytelling in Healing when the child is sick and should stay at home
Updated: Oct 8
When children are sick, they often need to stay home for several days to recover, which can lead to feelings of boredom and restlessness. This is especially challenging for parents who want to keep their child engaged in a productive and enjoyable way. One effective solution to this problem is storytelling. Storytelling offers a creative and soothing activity that benefits both the child and the parent, providing mental stimulation and emotional comfort during an otherwise difficult time.
From a psychological perspective, storytelling can serve as a tool for emotional processing and stress relief. Sick children might feel anxious or frustrated about their illness, and storytelling can provide an outlet for these emotions. According to child development experts, storytelling fosters a sense of control and understanding over situations that may otherwise feel overwhelming, helping children cope with their feelings more effectively .Â
Furthermore, storytelling can engage a child's imagination and keep them mentally stimulated even when they are physically unwell. When children are unable to participate in their usual activities, stories transport them to new worlds, keeping their minds active while their bodies rest.
Involving children in the process of creating stories can be highly beneficial. Instead of passively listening, children can help shape the narrative, deciding on characters, plots, and settings. This participatory approach empowers children by giving them a sense of control, something they may feel is lacking during an illness. According to developmental psychology, when children actively participate in storytelling, it strengthens their cognitive skills, such as language development, problem-solving, and critical thinking .
Moreover, co-creating stories strengthens the bond between parent and child. It becomes an interactive experience where both parties contribute, turning the activity into a shared journey. Studies show that interactive activities like storytelling promote emotional closeness and improve communication between parents and children .
While both personalised and general stories offer their own set of benefits, personalised stories tend to be more engaging for children. A personalised story can incorporate elements that are specific to the child’s life, such as their name, favoriet activities, or even the experience of being sick. Personalisation makes the story more relatable, allowing the child to see themselves as the hero of the narrative. This can be especially comforting, as it reassures them that even though they are currently feeling unwell, they still have agency and importance.
In conclusion, storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging and comforting sick children at home. It allows parents to connect emotionally with their child, while also providing mental stimulation and imaginative play. By personalizing stories or collaborating on the creation of new narratives, parents can make storytelling a fun, meaningful experience that distracts the child from the discomfort of being unwell. This creative approach not only helps pass the time but also fosters emotional healing and cognitive development during recovery.
References:
-Â : Green, M., & Sestir, M. (2017). "Storytelling and Emotional Processing in Children." Journal of Developmental Psychology.
-Â : Johnson, D., & Reed, S. (2018). "The Impact of Storytelling on Parent-Child Relationships." Family Psychology Review.
-Â : Clark, H. (2019). "The Cognitive Benefits of Storytelling in Early Childhood." Journal of Child Development Studies.
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