Tips for Creating a Story Routine That Works for Your Family
Introducing storytelling into your family’s routine can be a powerful way to spark imagination and strengthen bonds. A storytelling routine doesn’t have to be a daily commitment - it simply means choosing a time, place, and a few guiding habits to make storytelling a meaningful tradition.
Below are five practical tips to help you establish a storytelling routine that fits your family’s lifestyle.
1. Find the Right Time and Place
A storytelling routine can happen at any time of day and in nearly any setting. The key is minimizing distractions so both the storyteller and listener can be fully engaged. While bedtime is a popular choice, it’s far from the only option. Consider these alternatives:
On the drive to or from school
At the dinner table
During family walks
While waiting for food at restaurants
On long road trips
Choose a time and place that naturally fits your family’s rhythm, making storytelling an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
2. Keep It Flexible—It Doesn’t Have to Be Daily
A storytelling routine should feel enriching, not burdensome. You don’t need to tell a story every day for it to be meaningful. Instead, pick a frequency that works for your schedule—once or twice a week is enough to establish a cherished ritual.
For busy families, selecting the least hectic day of the week can help ensure consistency. Extended family members can also establish storytelling traditions, even if they only happen once a month. The key is making storytelling a regular, anticipated event rather than a rigid, daily obligation.
3. Make Storytelling Work for Long-Distance Connections
Storytelling isn’t limited to in-person interactions. It can also be a great way to stay connected with family members who live far away. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can use virtual platforms to share stories across distances.
Some ways to do this include:
Video calls on Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet
Audio recordings sent via email or messaging apps
Pre-recorded bedtime stories for children to listen to later
Leveraging technology allows storytelling to become a bridge across generations and locations.
4. Set the Right Atmosphere for Storytelling
Creating a calm and focused environment enhances the storytelling experience. Before you begin a story, ensure that the listener is settled and ready to engage. If children are too restless, their attention may wander.
A simple rule, such as sitting quietly before the story starts, can set expectations and help both the teller and listener get the most out of the experience. This small habit makes storytelling more immersive and enjoyable.
5. Use Cues to Start and End Story Time
Cues help signal the beginning and end of a storytelling session, making it easier for children to transition into and out of the story world. In our Stories Worth Telling Framework, we emphasize the importance of using opening and closing phrases or rituals.
Consider using:
Classic phrases like “Once upon a time” and “And that’s our story for today, what should they do next time.”
Physical reminders such as a special stuffed animal that only comes out during storytime.
Sensory cues like lighting and extinguishing a candle (battery-powered for safety).
A reward system where children add a token to a jar or chart after each story session.
These small rituals reinforce the importance of storytelling while making it a fun and familiar experience for children.
Final Thoughts: Make Storytelling Work for You
Many people associate storytelling with bedtime, but it can happen anytime and anywhere. The key is to choose a time that feels natural and sustainable for your family. Storytelling isn’t about perfection, it’s about giving your child the gift of focused attention, creativity, and shared moments.
By establishing a flexible and enjoyable storytelling routine, you create lasting memories that will stay with your family for years to come. So find your rhythm, tell your stories, and enjoy the journey of storytelling together!
