Today's Edition
BY ALDHABI ALMHEIRI
Storytelling has been a method through which tradition has been passed down generations through history, connecting them with eachother and keeping people in touch with their roots.
But nowadays, it has become a tool that is used to heal and empower children in medical settings.
I always believed in the power of stories and books. But, through my work as a publisher, I learned that storytelling can do much more than simply tell a story, as it can also heal.
I’ve seen firsthand how sharing stories helps children express their feelings and thoughts, cope with difficult experiences, and build stronger connections with people within their surrounding communities.
Children always face challenges, especially when they try to express themselves. Often, they rely on their emotions which can sometimes be a complicated process; somtimes identifying the right emotion that describes what they are feeling is hard, especially at a very young age.
But through stories, we can find ways to have a calming conversation that leads to the core of their feelings and sometimes to their problems.
Research shows that when we engage in storytelling, the brain’s (mirror neurons) are activated, which helps children better understand themselves and connect with others.
Three years ago I started an initiative called “Books from Children to Children” and this year it’s on the fourth edition.
I’ve encouraged young children to write about their feelings, thoughts, experiences whether it’s about a problem they’re facing at school or something more personal without worrying about any spelling mistakes, or even the structure of the story and the results was shocking.
I found that when children are given the freedom to express their feelings in words or through art, they master that talent. They often do more than what is expected of them because they don’t have anyone to tell them what to do or what not to do.
Writing or telling stories gives them a way to process their emotions and make sense of what they’re going through.
Some children shared their suffering from the darkness of fear, some of them tried to explain how they feel loved in their own way. I even have children with special needs who published their own thoughts.
Storytelling isn’t just about self-expression, it’s also about empathy. When we read someone else’s story, we step into their shoes and experience their world. This helps us understand eachother better and build a sense of community.
For example, if I know that love means hugging, I would show you that part of me, because that’s how you will feel loved.
Different peopl understand things in different ways, and each of us has different points of view on things and meanings.
I found that storytelling can be a powerful tool, if we usevit within the health sector to make children express their feelings through simple drawings or writing.
Sometimes they can even communicate using eye movements.
This not only helps them heal but also creates a bond and gives hope to the listener or reader.
There are some children who feel overwhelmed in hospitals, and the emotional toll of illness can be very hard.
By writing or reading stories, children can find a sense of comfort and hope during tough times.
Storytelling also has a huge impact on communities. When a child shares his or her story, this can inspire others to do the same.
It can create a ripple effect where every child has a voice to be heard and last forever by publishing these stories.
As a publisher, I’ve made it my mission to empower children to speak their mind and share their stories.
Whether through writing, telling stories, or even creating art and publishing books, storytelling is a way to heal and connect.
I believe that every child has a story worth hearing and sharing, and I’m excited to continue helping them find their voice through publishing.
