Storytelling for Kids Includes Lessons About Staying Safe

There are few things more frightening for a parent than to lose sight of their child in public. Suppose you go to an outdoor event with your child; she could be gone even if you drop her hand for a moment. You may become panic-stricken. Storytelling for kids should include lessons about staying safe. 

In a story about staying safe, characters might be part of a group on a field trip to a magical kingdom. The first lesson could involve warning them to stay with the group and not wander off. However, a character might get distracted by a shiny object and stray to look closer. 

It would not take long for the character to become lost and scared. Storytelling for kids is a wonderful way to teach important life lessons about safety in an engagingly and memorably manner without a lengthy dialogue from an authority figure.

One day, a friend and I went shopping at a department store with her three-year-old daughter. She had dropped her daughter’s hand only for a moment to check the price tag on a blouse. When she turned back to her daughter, the child was gone.

Frantically, we both looked for her. How could she have disappeared that quickly? Often, parents fear the worst. Someone could have kidnapped her. The child could have gotten through the department doors and outside only to get into traffic.

An announcement about the missing child over the PA system alerted shoppers who helped in the search. It wasn’t long before a woman descended from the elevator with the child in her arms. It was later surmised that the child had wandered upstairs via the escalator.  

We were greatly relieved but will never forget the terror we felt. Storytelling for kids can teach them a valuable lesson about not wandering away.

Frost addresses why a child might wander away by stating, “Whether it's the ice cream truck passing by or a plush stuffed animal in a gift shop, she sees something she wants and goes for it. Toddlers are goal-directed, meaning that they might wander with a specific purpose in mind without considering the potential dangers or obstacles involved.”

Find more of Frost’s ideas on Toddler Behavior. 

Storytelling for Kids Involves 
Heeding the Advice of Authority Figures

Another key lesson to instill in a child is to follow the advice of a parent or one who is in charge of the child. When a child heeds the advice of one who has experience and wisdom, her probability of staying safe increases dramatically. When that child doesn’t, there are far-reaching consequences.

Storytelling for kids shows the importance of not wandering off from a group or an authority figure, as well as disobedience. The consequences of ignoring these safety lessons are clear: 

• Potential physical injury
• Worry for everyone involved
• An experience that can frighten a child
• Potential physiological effects with long-term consequences

There is a children’s story about obedience involving a girl named Dayane. It “is one of the most inspirational stories between a mother and a daughter. The girl’s disobedience worries her mother. But Dayane’s mother’s love, warmth and kindness helped her to change her disobedient nature” (Vedanta).

The story expounds on how Dayane felt she was so independent that she didn’t need to obey her mother. However, during an act of disobedience, the child fell off a chair and later understood that she might be taken from her mother’s care and sent away due to her unruly behavior. Facing these consequences, Dayane became compliant.

For more about Vedantu’s story, check out Dayane, the Disobedient Girl.

Knowing the value of safety, parents and teachers can help children learn these valuable lessons through storytelling. Children are eager to learn and will grasp these concepts easily.

I created a story for children aged 3-5 that emphasizes the value of safety and obedience. You can find the story below.

The Wise Dolphin and the Underwater Adventure In the glittering blue ocean waters lives a wise dolphin named Dana. She is known for her kind eyes and deep knowledge of the vast seas. Dana is always eager to help young sea creatures explore their surroundings. Every Friday afternoon, Dana gathers a group of young sea creatures for an exciting underwater adventure. One calm Friday, Dana meets her excited group at Coral Cove. Among them are Morris the Seahorse,  Bree the Sea Urchin, Twila the Starfish, and Baxter the Baby Octopus. Dana says to the group, “Today, we are going on a journey to the Radiant Blue Reef. Stay alert. Stay together. Listen to my words, and we'll have a memorable time.” As they swim, Dana guides them through a magical wonderland of water filled with colorful corals, schools of shiny fish, and curious caves. “Don’t forget to stay together. It could be dangerous if we don’t,” she reminds them gently. But Baxter, the Baby Octopus, is filled with curiosity. He spots a shiny, glittering object near a rocky cliff. I’ll just have a quick peek and catch up with the group, Baxter thinks as he slips away from them. But the shiny object turns out to be an old glass bottle. As Baxter turns away and tries to rejoin the group, a strong current sweeps him into a dark cave. When he realizes he is alone and trapped, he feels panicky. Back at the reef, Dana notices Baxter is missing. “We must find Baxter,” she says. “Stay close, everyone, and stay calm.” She leads them to search for him. Using her keen sonar, Dana soon spots Baxter’s thin ink trail leading into the cave. She gently calls out, “Baxter, can you hear me?” Baxter’s faint voice rings with emotion. “I’m here. I’m scared!” “Calm down, Baxter, I’ll help you,” Dana says in her gentle voice. She uses her skills to navigate the swirling currents and soon reaches Baxter. She wraps a trusting fin around him and guides him safely out of the cave back to the group. Rejoined with his friends, Baxter says, “Thank you, Dana. I should have listened to your words and stayed with the group.” Dana nods warmly at Baxter and says, “Being curious is understandable, but we must remember to follow the rules and stay together. That way, everyone can explore safely.” Since that day, young Baxter remembered Dana’s wise words and never wandered off again. Together, Dana, the group, and Baxter explored many more wonders under the sea, happy and safely in each other’s company.

Moral of the Story: Listen to wise advice and always stay with your group; it's the safest way to explore and learn.

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