From “Because I Said So” to Magical Moments: Changing the Way We Talk to Kids
Sound Familiar?
“Put your shoes on.”
“Brush your teeth.”
“Stop doing that.”
“Because I said so!”
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably said all of the above... possibly before breakfast.
Modern parenting is filled with logistics, routines, and to-do lists. And in the rush of everyday life, our conversations with our kids often default to a series of instructions and corrections.
We don’t mean to communicate this way all the time; it just happens.
But here’s the thing: What we say most often becomes what they remember most clearly.
So what if we could shift some of those one-way commands into two-way moments of connection?
That’s where storytelling comes in.
Why Storytelling Is a Game-Changer for Communication
In Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids, we talk about this shift. We know how parents and caregivers often fall into patterns of transactional talk (we're moms too!), but we also know how storytelling can soften and enrich the way we interact with our children.
Here’s how it works:
1. Storytelling invites collaboration.
When you tell a story, especially one that’s imaginative or open-ended, your child naturally wants to join in:
- “Can the dog talk in this one?”
- “What if they fly to space?”
- “That’s not how a unicorn sounds!”
Their ideas become part of the story, which turns the moment into a conversation, not a lecture. This builds their confidence, engages their curiosity, and makes them feel like a valued co-creator.
2. It shifts the tone from control to connection.
When you're in command mode all day, it can start to feel like your only job is correcting behavior. That gets tiring for both you and your child.
But telling a story, even a short one, changes the dynamic. You’re no longer the enforcer. You’re the narrator. The guide. The fellow adventurer.
It’s a softer way to be heard... and often a more effective one, too.
Instead of saying, “Stop jumping on the couch,”
Try: “There once was a little kangaroo who couldn’t stop bouncing in the wrong places… until he learned where his super jumps belonged.”
Instead of saying: “Stop whining.”
Try: “Hmm… you sound like the wind dragon in one of my stories. He always whined when he didn’t get what he wanted... and it never worked for him. Want to hear what did work for him?”
Instead of saying: “Don’t be scared.”
Try: “I once told a story about a tiny mouse who was scared of shadows... until she realized they were just dancing leaves. Want to hear how she figured it out?”
Suddenly, it’s playful. Memorable. Impactful.
The Power of Story to Shape Behavior and Values
Our ancestors used storytelling to pass down lessons, wisdom, and social values. Not through lectures, but through characters, consequences, and journeys that made the lessons stick.
And today, your family can use storytelling in the exact same way:
- To help your child process emotions.
- To explain tricky topics.
- To introduce values like kindness, bravery, honesty, or responsibility.
Instead of correcting them in the moment, you can plant a seed in a story and let them discover the meaning themselves.
Real-Life Magic, One Story at a Time
In Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids, we give you the tools to make this shift feel natural, even if you’re busy, overwhelmed, or don’t consider yourself “a storyteller.”
Inside the book, you’ll find:
- A simple storytelling framework you can use anytime, anywhere
- Prompts for stories that help with transitions, tricky behavior, or sibling issues
- Ideas for incorporating values and themes into your everyday stories
- Encouragement for shifting from reactive parenting to intentional connection
Want to Talk With Your Kids Instead of At Them?
Start telling stories.
You’ll still need to give reminders. You’ll still have hard days. But over time, you’ll find yourself having more dialogues than directives, more giggles than groans, and more magical moments than you ever expected.
Because stories have a way of turning “I said so” into “tell me more.”
Ready to Shift the Way You Communicate?
Discover how storytelling can help you change the tone of your household—without yelling, nagging, or negotiating.
Pick up your copy of Creating Stories Worth Telling Your Kids today, and start creating a family culture filled with laughter, empathy, and connection.