Universal themes have captivated young readers for centuries, making reading a timeless activity that parents and children can enjoy together. Whether your child loves adventure tales or stories about friendship, discussing the themes within these stories is essential. It's a delicate balance: focusing too much on the theme can turn reading into a chore, while neglecting it can lead to indifference. In this article, I’ll explore how parents can engage their children in the wonders of storytelling by facilitating meaningful discussions on universal themes in children's literature, deepening their child’s connection to the stories they read.
Friendship and Loyalty: After reading a book focused on friendship, parents can discuss with their child what makes a good friend and how loyalty plays a role in friendships. Asking questions like, "How did the characters show they were good friends?" or "What would you do if your friend needed help?" can help children reflect on their own friendships and the importance of being a loyal friend.
Courage and Perseverance: Parents can explore examples of courage in the story by asking, "What challenges did the character face, and how did they overcome them?" This can lead to discussions about times when the child had to be brave or persistent, helping them draw parallels between the story and their own experiences.
Family and Love: When reading stories about family, parents can talk about the different family dynamics and how love is shown in various ways. Questions like, "How did the characters show they cared for each other?" can encourage children to think about how they express love within their own family and what makes their family special.
Good vs. Evil: Parents can guide discussions on moral choices by asking, "What made the character’s actions good or bad?" or "What would you do in a similar situation?" This can help children understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of making good choices.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Parents can support their child's exploration of self-identity by asking, "What did the character learn about themselves?" or "How did the character change throughout the story?" This can open up conversations about the child’s own journey of self-discovery and what makes them unique.
Growth and Change: After a story where the character undergoes growth, parents can discuss how change is a natural part of life. Questions like, "How did the character change from the beginning to the end?" or "Have you ever had to adapt to something new?" can help children feel more comfortable with their own growth and changes.
Adventure and Exploration: For adventure stories, parents can spark discussions by asking, "What was the most exciting part of the adventure?" or "Where would you like to explore?" This can fuel a child's imagination and curiosity about the world, encouraging them to dream and explore new ideas.
Justice and Fairness: Parents can talk about fairness and justice by discussing the actions of the characters, asking, "Was what happened to the character fair?" or "What could have been done differently to make it fair?" This can help children develop a sense of right and wrong and the importance of standing up for justice.
Empathy and Compassion: Stories with themes of empathy provide a great opportunity for parents to discuss the importance of understanding others' feelings. Questions like, "How did the character show they cared about others?" or "Can you think of a time when you helped someone who was sad?" can encourage children to be more empathetic and compassionate.
Imagination and Creativity: After reading stories that celebrate creativity, parents can encourage their child to think creatively by asking, "What would you create if you had magical powers?" or "How can you use your imagination to solve a problem?" This can foster a child’s creativity and help them see the value of imaginative thinking in their everyday life.
As a psychotherapist since the 1990s, I've had the privilege of working with countless families through my practice, Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapy and Counseling Services. Building traditions, creating meaningful activities, and making timeless memories are vital to family life. Witnessing families engage in interactive, empathetic reading with their children has always given me hope—not just for the child's academic success, but for their social and emotional growth as well. By participating in these discussions, parents help their children grasp the deeper themes in stories while reinforcing important life lessons and values, enriching the reading experience.
Eugene Roginsky LCSW
Bridge2Horizon Psychotherapy and Counseling Services
Growing With Stories
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