Jakarta. Fairy tales are more than just bedtime stories; they can greatly improve a child’s imagination, creativity and ingenuity. In addition to these “soft skills,” according to veteran storyteller Awam Prakoso, stories can promote local resources and wisdom.

However, the world of fairy tales faces challenges when competing with the growing popularity of gadgets and social media among children. Parents play a crucial role in this as they should limit their children’s use of social media, Awam said at an Inspirative Talk event organized by the Tanoto Foundation.

Fairy tales also serve to strengthen the bond between parents and children. By offering advice, children are more receptive to messages conveyed through stories rather than verbal commands.

“Children need to be introduced to events so they can understand the wisdom of the characters in the story. This way the characters can inspire them. Close communication between parents and children is necessary so that children do not feel like they are being lectured,” Awam explained.

Stories also improve children’s literacy skills beyond just reading and writing. Children not only hear stories, but they can also retell them, creating a unique experience that sharpens their public speaking skills. “Parents can strengthen their bonds with their children through storytelling,” Awam added.

The lessons learned from these stories can be carried forward into adulthood. Communication skills developed through storytelling can benefit children in their future careers, where effective communication is critical.

“Fairy tales are like food; the effects are not immediately noticeable. Apart from being filling, they should also be healthy. Food nourishes the physical body, while stories or tales satisfy spiritual needs,” Awam said, stressing that teachers can also include fairy tales in your lessons.

Awam founded Kampung Dongeng, a program that trains people to become better storytellers. The initiative attracts participants of all ages from across the country, attracting dozens of teachers and storytelling volunteers each year. Training is also available for young storytellers, and volunteers help raise awareness of local wisdom in an increasingly digital age.

“Everyone can be a storyteller; you can become a volunteer and fairy tale activist,” Avam urged.

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