Some people say that parents need to spend time reading or telling stories to their children, while others think parents no longer have to do this because there are other sources for stories such as books, TV and the Internet. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Nowadays, whether parents should still read or tell stories to their children in person has sparked a heated debate. Some argue that parental storytelling is irreplaceable, while others believe modern media can replace this practice.
On the one hand, supporters of replacing parental storytelling with media sources point out that digital platforms, illustrated books and children’s TV programmes offer far more diverse, professionally produced story content. For example, streaming platforms provide age-targeted animated stories with vivid sound effects and visuals, and e-books can adjust reading difficulty to match a child’s literacy level. These sources also free up busy working parents who often lack time or energy to prepare stories after a long day at work, reducing their parenting burden.
On the other hand, opponents hold the view that parent-child storytelling brings unique benefits that no media can replicate. Firstly, this activity builds strong emotional bonds: when parents tell stories, they can adjust tone, pause to answer children’s immediate questions, or even add personal family anecdotes, making the experience warm and interactive. For instance, I still remember my grandmother adapting traditional fairy tales to include my childhood mischief, which made those stories far more memorable than any cartoon I watched. Secondly, parents can guide children to develop correct values by explaining story morals in the context of their family’s beliefs, rather than leaving children to receive unfiltered information from online sources.
In my opinion, modern media is a good supplementary tool, but it can never replace parental storytelling. The emotional connection and tailored guidance from parents are essential for children’s psychological and moral development, making the time spent on shared stories invaluable.