Winter has arrived, and with the holiday season now behind us, we’re left with the quiet, still cold that defines this time of year. It’s a season for reflection, rest, and healing, as well as a time to plan and prepare for the new growth that will come with the thawing of spring.

As the world outside slows down, there’s an opportunity to slow our pace as well and focus on the things that matter most. One powerful method of fostering reflection, connection, and growth is through the art of storytelling—a tradition that has been mastered by Indigenous peoples over hundreds of years.

Storytelling has long played a critical role in Indigenous cultures, serving not only as a way to entertain but also as a tool for teaching, preserving history, and imparting wisdom.

What does storytelling achieve? 

Through oral traditions, stories pass down:

• Vital lessons,
• Moral values,
• Ways of being,
• They also help to shape the worldviews and behaviors of individuals across generations.

These stories are known to have lasting impacts on the minds of both youth and adults, offering wisdom that can guide them throughout their lives. In many Indigenous cultures, storytelling is not just an activity—it’s a way of being, a method of learning, and a form of connection.

How to incorporate storytelling into your family:
In today’s fast-paced world, it can sometimes be easy to overlook the power of storytelling. When we think of storytelling in Western culture, we might first think of bedtime stories, picture books, or novels. While these are wonderful forms of storytelling, they can also feel like a chore for busy families, especially during the months when schedules are packed with activities and commitments. The good news is that storytelling doesn’t always have to be as structured as reading from a book. In fact, some of the most meaningful storytelling can come from sharing your own personal experiences with your children.

Some tips for families:

1. Talk about moments in your life where you’ve grown, learned, or overcome challenges to offer valuable lessons.
2. Stories don’t have to be elaborate or grand; they can be simple, everyday experiences that have shaped you.
3. When you tell your children these stories, you invite them to reflect on their own lives and think critically about the lessons they can learn from your experiences. These conversations can prompt deep thinking, nurture moral values, and help children develop emotional intelligence—skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Final thoughts:

Tell your stories! Tell them over and over again—until your children know them by heart, and perhaps even finish them for you! At first, they may roll their eyes or seem disinterested, but as they grow, they will remember your stories, and with each retelling, they will take away new insights and lessons. These stories become part of their mental and emotional toolkit, shaping their identities and their ways of understanding the world.

If you’re not comfortable sharing personal stories or if you want to add a bit of creativity, consider telling fictional stories that reflect real-life experiences or lessons. A perfect example of this is the classic fable of “The Tortoise and the Hare,” a simple tale that teaches the value of persistence and patience. Though it’s a story told countless times, its message—“slow and steady wins the race”—remains relevant and memorable.

In these cold winter months, storytelling offers a beautiful way to connect, teach, and grow together as a family. It’s a tradition that can bring warmth to even the chilliest of days, creating lasting memories and fostering an environment of learning and love.

Recommended Books from Brant Mental Health Solutions Staff:

For Children and Parents:

1. The Worry Balloon: by Mónica Mancillas (Author), Betty C. Tang (Illustrator)
2. Four Furious Flamingos: A 1-10 Counting Book of Big Feelings: by Kelly Bourne (Author), Aparna Varma (Illustrator)
3. A Thought is a Thought: by Nikki Hedstrom (Author), Megan Price (Editor), Daniel Pauhl (Illustrator)
4. A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries by Diane Alber (Author)
5. I Am Stronger Than Anxiety: Children’s Book about Overcoming Worries, Stress and Fear (World of Kids Emotions): by Elizabeth Cole (Author)

For Youth 12+: 

1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (5 Book Series): by Rick Riordan (Author)
2. Turtles All the Way Down: by John Green (Author)
3. White Lies: by Sara de Waard (Author)
4. Defy: by Sara de Waard (Author)