The Art of Storytelling - by Andrea Grant

The Art of Storytelling: Navigating the Tumultuous Waters of Kid Narratives By Andrea Grant 

If you've ever tried to get a straight answer from your child about their day, you might feel like you've just sat through a marathon of "War and Peace." It starts with the most mundane detail—like how they had cereal for breakfast—and somehow morphs into an epic saga that could rival Harry Potter. Patience, they say, is a virtue, but sometimes it feels more like an Olympic event. So why do some children seem to stumble and fumble their way through telling a story? The ability to recount a series of events with clarity is no small feat. Imagine trying to juggle all the details, keep them in the right order, sprinkle in some key points, and remember to use proper grammar—all while navigating the labyrinth of a child's memory. It's like asking this English teacher, as in myself, to complete some Pythagoras. For young children, and particularly those on the spectrum, this task can be even more daunting. When you ask about their day or a teacher probes into what happened on the playground, you’re not just requesting a story; you're asking for a well-crafted narrative complete with plot, character development, and a satisfying conclusion. And let's face it, not all of us are born storytellers, especially when the school day has been an emotional rollercoaster. As children grow, the stakes get higher. Suddenly, they need to logically order their thoughts, make coherent arguments, and use paragraphs like seasoned essayists. This can be particularly challenging for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), who might find these expectations more burdensome compared to their neurotypical peers. It’s not that they’re less truthful; it’s that their storytelling might not match the precision of their peers, making it seem like their narratives are more suspect. Moreover, the innate sense of justice and fairness in many neurodiverse children adds another layer of stress. They might feel extra pressure to communicate clearly, which can turn an already challenging task into a stressful ordeal. So, what's the takeaway from this whirlwind of storytelling challenges? Next time your child launches into a long-winded tale that seems to spiral into the realm of “What on earth are you talking about?” remember to be patient. Keep an open mind and resist the urge to jump in with your own version of events. Even if their story seems a bit fishy, give them the space to express themselves. After all, fostering open and positive communication is worth its weight in gold—except when it interferes with your TV time. But hey, even storytelling has its sacrifices, right? 😂 Top of Form Bottom of Form