The Everyday Matters

The Everyday Matters

We have always believed that stories can bring people together. It’s not just about reading – it’s about creating little moments every day that help children to learn, connect, and feel grounded. With the International Day of Families being celebrated in May, we’ve been thinking about how every day can be a celebration of the simple things that make life feel special.

Sometimes, the little things aren’t so little!

Learning Begins at Home – and It Lasts a Lifetime

Research shows that children who are regularly read to at home are more likely to succeed at school – not just in literacy, but also in focus, empathy and communication. Social skills and emotional intelligence are very important when we go to school, and they can be learned from stories and by spending quality time with family members.

When kids see us making time to unplug, to talk, to play or to read for fun, they learn to do the same – and they also feel safe and included.

Good Habits Build Great Memories!

We often think of learning as something that happens in classrooms, and teachers help kids to stay engaged and curious about the world. But children are learning every day, in every way!  Home is where lifelong habits are built, so it’s worth paying attention to how we spend our time there. Here are some ways to make the most of it.

• Have meals together. Even if you only manage it just a few nights a week, this builds trust, conversation skills and family connections.
• Make quiet time for stories. Whether it’s 10 minutes before bed or after school, a routine makes it easier – and more magical.
• Play together! Board games, puzzles and imagination games help foster problem-solving and cooperation. It’s also great fun – and laughing together is seriously good for you!
• Listen to stories and music. Audiobooks or podcasts are a great way to build focus and spark curiosity – especially on car rides or during quiet time. Have a little dance party too, if you feel like it!
• Talk about your day. Questions like ‘What made you laugh today?’ can open a whole world of conversation. Sometimes, you can also talk about what made someone frustrated and upset, as emotions are easier to deal with when we can talk about them.

And yes, screen time is part of modern life – but so is the ability to unplug from our devices and connect with each other instead.

The Everyday Matters

When we started Storytime, it wasn’t just to create the most awesome stories in the world. We hoped to make a magazine that would lead to wonderful family moments – moments that would build confidence, creativity and closeness through the magic of stories. Since then, research* has proven that a ‘good life’ is one rooted in strong relationships and time shared with others.

We’re proud to create a magazine that can help families to enjoy a good life with each other. Every page turned, every story shared, every simple habit passed on – it all adds up to a good life.

So here’s to families, friends and communities who show up for each other, every day.
Because stories start at home – and so does learning!

* Harvard Study of Adult Development: One of the longest-running studies on adult life, tracking the lives of over 700 individuals since 1938