womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2025 PARENTING 69 Ouiam El Hassani explores the timeless magic of storytelling and how reading aloud to children builds imagination, empathy and lifelong bonds that outlast any digital distraction. A PARENT’S GUIDE TO THE MAGIC OF READING October has a certain feel to it, doesn’t it? The sun begins to lose its most intense bite, the evenings feel a bit more comfortable and the world outside seems to be telling a story all its own, painted in hues of orange and gold. It’s a perfect time to talk about the power of storytelling, that ancient art that has been connecting people long before we had smartphones or even books. We all know that reading to our children is ‘good for them’ but let’s be honest, it’s about so much more than just phonics and vocabulary. It’s about magic. Think back to your own childhood. It’s not the spelling tests you remember, is it? It’s the feeling of being curled up on the sofa, lost in a world of talking animals or knights in shining armour. It’s the way a parent changed their voice for the dragon or the way you knew exactly when to turn the page. These moments are the true building blocks of a childhood, creating a quiet, powerful connection that no screen can ever replicate. In a world that is loud and fast, a good story is an invitation to slow down. It’s a chance for a child’s mind to do some serious heavy lifting; to imagine a character’s face, to predict what will happen next and to feel empathy for a brave little mouse or a misunderstood monster. When we read to our children, we are not just giving them words; we are giving them a workout for their imagination, a skill that is just as important as maths or science. It’s in the quiet space of a book that children learn to make sense of the world, one page at a time. They discover that good and evil exist, that it’s okay to be scared and that even the smallest person can be a hero. For some children, the joy of a good story isn’t just in the pages of a book. It’s in a silly, madeup tale told on a car ride, a story about a talking sock or a dramatic re-enactment of a day at the park. These improvised narratives are just as powerful. They teach children how stories are structured, how characters are developed and how humour can be woven into a narrative. Encouraging a child to make up their own stories builds a profound sense of creative confidence. The only rule for a good story is that it must be told. The magic isn’t in the plot; it’s in the telling. It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘right’ way to read. The internet is full of articles about levelled readers and reading comprehension tests. But here’s a secret from someone who has seen it all: the ‘right’ way is whatever way works for you. If you have a child who loves comics, lean into it. If they want to read the same picture book every single night for a month, let them! Repetition builds confidence and confidence is the key to creating a lifelong reader. The goal isn’t to make them a perfect reader; the goal is to help them fall in love with the act of reading itself. When it comes to the practical side, remember that the best story is the one that gets told. Don’t worry about being a perfect narrator; a slightly goofy voice or a stumble over a word just adds to the charm. Embrace the classics, as a well-loved book holds a special kind of magic because of the memories attached to it. Make it a conversation by asking your child questions as you read, like: “What do you think will happen next?” This engages their critical thinking and makes them active participants. Consider creating a ritual around reading, such as a specific blanket or a special reading chair. This makes the activity feel special and something to look forward to. And don’t assume that older children are ‘too old’ for picture books. The illustrations are a story all their own and looking at them together can be a beautiful bonding experience. Ultimately, the goal is to show your children that stories are everywhere; in the books on a shelf, in the world around them and most importantly, in the love and connection you share. This October, let the magic of storytelling be your guide. Sit back, relax and enjoy a good story! The Power of Storytelling:
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