Stories have been part of human life for thousands of years. They connect us, entertain us and help us make sense of the world. For children, storytelling is more than fun, it is a powerful way to explore emotions, build empathy and develop wellbeing.

When children listen to a story, they see themselves in the characters. They learn that fear, sadness, joy and frustration are not unique to them. These feelings are part of the shared human experience, and stories provide a safe way to process them.

Why stories matter for wellbeing

Children do not always have the language to describe what they are going through. A story can give them the words they need. A tale about a nervous rabbit or a frustrated giant can mirror their own feelings and show them strategies to cope.

Stories also create empathy. When a child hears about a character’s challenges, they practise imagining how someone else might feel. This skill translates directly into stronger relationships in real life.

Using stories to explore emotions

When using stories as a wellbeing tool, keep it simple:

• Choose characters children can relate to
• Focus on everyday challenges such as worry, friendship, anger or change
• Ask reflective questions: “How do you think the character felt? What could they do next?”

This is not about teaching morals. It is about helping children see that feelings are normal and manageable.

Stories in Mind Marvels sessions

At Mind Marvels, we often use storytelling and characters in our sessions. Characters like the Meerkat, the Owl and the Elephant help children understand how their brains work when they are emotional, thoughtful or reflective. By framing neuroscience in a story, we make complex ideas accessible to young minds.

We also use guided visualisations, short calming stories where children imagine a peaceful place or a safe journey. These practices help children develop mindfulness and find calm in the middle of busy days.

Storytelling at home

Parents can use storytelling as a gentle way to explore emotions. It does not need to be elaborate. A simple bedtime story where the main character faces a worry and finds a solution can open up valuable conversations. Parents can then ask, “Have you ever felt like that? What helped you?”

This not only builds emotional vocabulary but strengthens connection between adult and child.

Storytelling at school

Teachers can integrate stories into wellbeing lessons or circle time. Even five minutes spent reading a short story about feelings can help normalise emotions and create discussion. Role-play and drama can take this further, allowing children to step into a character’s shoes and act out solutions.

The long-term benefits

Children who grow up with regular stories are often more empathetic, resilient and confident. They learn that no emotion is permanent, and that even difficult feelings can be understood and managed. Storytelling is more than entertainment, it is practice for life.

Final thought

Stories remind children that they are not alone in their feelings. By using storytelling as a wellbeing tool, we give them language, empathy and strategies that will stay with them for years to come.