Stories With Grandma

The tradition of story telling is long, in some societies their complete history is passed down in this way. More usual in our culture is the retelling of the old fairy stories, many of which had been collected and written down by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. Some of the stories in this book obviously derive from old legends whilst others are devised especially to entertain and if possible, contain an underlying moral, similar to Aesop Fables or the tales of Brer Rabbit. At the present time grandparents frequently become carers for their children’s children and if a grandparent repeats the tales she or he has listened to, the link is maintained. When my grandchildren were born, to occupy, amuse or distract them I also resorted to stories drawing upon my own childhood memories, though sometimes I would simplify, embellish or personalise the tale I was telling. It is amazing how tasks such as washing, potty training or eating become easier when a child is entranced by a story.