Why It’s So Important To Read With Your Child, Whatever Their Age.

Guest post from Lucy Cave of Tiny Tale Adventures

There are few things as beneficial to a child’s development as reading with them on a regular basis. As well as feeding their imagination and helping them to develop key communication skills, you’re going deeper by spending quality time with them and showing them that they matter. They have your undivided attention, giving them comfort and security, which helps to build their confidence and self esteem.

But don’t just take our word for it. Lucy Cave, founder of Tiny Tale Adventures explains why reading together is a good way to support your child’s development, drilling down to age specific benefits. She also shares tips to help you, and your child, get the most out of your storytelling sessions.

Over to you Lucy…

 

 

Storytelling is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for nurturing communication, boosting confidence, and creating a safe space for children to express their thoughts and feelings. 

Don’t worry about following a script or relying on books, instead aim to use your imagination and communication to create shared moments. Whether your child is a baby discovering the world or a teenager navigating complex emotions, storytelling can help foster understanding and strengthen your bond. 

Here are some age-specific, interactive storytelling ideas to help you connect with your child.

 

Infants (0-1 years)

Simply having that special time together, reading with your baby will help promote bonding and build your relationship with your child. Try to carve out some given time for cuddles and storytelling every day; perhaps at bath or bedtime, it provides a gentle way to end your child’s day and reinforces that they are loved, cared for and protected.

 

Toddlers (1-2 years)

At this age, children are still highly sensory and respond to engaging, repetitive, and interactive activities. Try engaging multiple senses (touch, sight, sound) as this will create a multi-dimensional experience that helps your child feel more involved in the world around them; and, importantly, with you. Sensory engagement strengthens the bond because it allows for deeper communication beyond words, fostering a connection that is both emotional and physical.

 

Pre-school Children (2-4 years)

Encourage your little one to join you in playing the different characters in the story you’re sharing or mimic actions (e.g., roaring like a lion, running like a gingerbread man!). Acting out the story creates shared laughter and joy, which strengthens your bond. It also gives your child a sense of togetherness as you work as a team to bring the story to life.

 

 

Early School Age (5-8 years)

After the story is just as important as the story itself! Try asking thought-provoking questions like, 'Why do you think the dragon was upset?' or 'What would you do in the hero’s shoes?'. These conversations encourage empathy and deeper thinking. By listening to their answers, you’re showing them that their thoughts matter, which fosters emotional closeness and helps them feel truly heard.

 

Tweens (9-11 years)

Now is the perfect opportunity to try world building and exploring your child’s interests through the medium of story. Have they shown an interest in motorbikes? Witches and wizards? Whatever the interest, it’s a great opportunity to try co-creating imaginary worlds with their rules, history, and characters. This co-creation encourages creativity, empathy building and a deeper engagement in a topic they love, in turn deepening your shared bond.

 

Early Teens (12-14 years)

At this stage of development, young people are just beginning to truly explore and understand their own identity; navigating their place in the world, in society and in friendship groups. It can be a challenging time due to these changes and the plethora of hormonal influence too, so storytelling can be a gentle and indirect way to discuss challenges and help them explore their feelings through fictional characters. By doing so, this takes the pressure off them as an individual and can open up conversations and further connection.

 

Teenagers (15-18 years)

This is a great time to support their growing independence and confidence. Start a story that explores themes like adversity or challenge but leave it open-ended. Pass the story to your teen and ask how they think the character could handle the situation. What options might the character have, and which would they choose? By handing over the reins, you’re encouraging their critical thinking, and it shows that you trust their ability to tackle complex ideas and decisions.

 

Image credit: Dani Robin

Meet Lucy…

Lucy is the founder of Tiny Tale Adventures, a Guernsey-based business offering interactive storytelling for children. She has hosted engaging sessions at events like the Guernsey Street Festival, Guernsey Museums’ Freaky Friday, and the Tree & Woodcraft Fayre.

With a background in theatre and a passion for bringing stories to life, she creates exciting, memorable experiences that spark imagination and joy. Find out more at Tiny Tale Adventures.