It is often argued that parents should spend more time on reading or telling stories to their children, while others believe that this is no longer necessary because children can access stories through various forms of media. Although modern technology provides convenient alternatives, I believe that storytelling by parents remains valuable for children’s development.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why parents may not need to tell stories themselves. First, children today have access to a vast range of books, films and television programmes, many of which are specifically designed to entertain and educate them. For example, a child can easily watch an animated story and learn about friendship or responsibility without needing a parent to read it aloud. Therefore, digital media can provide both entertainment and educational content while allowing parents to spend their limited free time on other responsibilities. In this sense, technology has made storytelling more accessible and convenient.
On the other hand, I believe that stories told by parents offer benefits that cannot be fully replaced by screens. The main reason is that this activity creates meaningful interaction between parents and children. For instance, when parents read a bedtime story, they can explain unfamiliar ideas, ask questions and discuss the characters’ decisions with their children. This not only improves children’s language skills but also encourages them to think critically and understand emotions. Moreover, regular storytelling can strengthen the emotional bond between family members, which passive consumption of television or films may not achieve to the same extent.
In conclusion, although books, movies and television give children plenty of opportunities to enjoy stories independently, I believe that parents should still read or tell stories to their children. The personal interaction and emotional connection created through this simple activity make it a valuable part of childhood.