Why do the words “Once upon a time…” trigger a kaleidoscope of emotional reactions in us?   Is it because these words open an entry way into our brains’ creative imagination?   What we do know is that stories are powerful.  They’ve been used through lifetimes to transmit values and culture from one group to another, and from one generation to another.  We humans are descendents from a long line of storytellers.

Stories are also universal.  Think of the creation stories, trickster stories, hero/heroine stories, stories about being lost, stories about being found, family stories told in the car or around the kitchen table.  Our history is really a collection of stories that give us a shared memory.  Because stories are so powerful they engage us on many levels: emotionally, cognitively, personally. Because stories are so powerful we shouldn’t leave all the storytelling to Hollywood and video game producers.  Family story telling can give your children powerful memories and strengthen emotional bonds.  So immerse your family in stories – personal stories, tales read from books, tales made up and told around the table or in a comfy chair.  And we can help get you started.

We here at the Institute believe so much in the power of stories – “Whoever tells the stories, defines the culture.” - that we’ve created a Parent Guide to Storytelling.  So check out our guide and find out how easy it is. Next week we will also have some short stories from Michael Mann, our staff storyteller and Institute speaker, on our website for you to download!  It can start with four simple words: “Once upon a time...”

For another resource check out the StoryCorps Project at http://www.storycorps.net/.  The Corps believes that everyone has an important story to tell and they’ve been traversing the country helping people record their own stories and thus preserving them for future generations.  Listen in, the stories are powerful.  You might even want to add your own.

David Walsh