Why the Stories We Tell Our Kids Shape Who They Become

Why the Stories We Tell Our Kids Shape Who They Become

From one of our favorite writers, this episode of Shankar Vedantam’s Hidden Brain podcast, “Family Stories,” explores a simple idea with huge impact: the stories families tell about themselves shape how children see the world—and their place in it.

We hear how kids gain confidence, resilience, and empathy when they know their family’s ups and downs, not just the highlight reel. Stories of struggle and recovery help them feel part of something bigger.


Why +wellvyl Is Featuring It

Social wellness isn’t just about what we do together. It’s also about how we talk to each other, and what we pass down.

This episode connects to +wellvyl’s values by showing that:

  • Storytelling can be a form of emotional support.
  • Honest, age-appropriate stories make kids feel less alone.
  • Sharing “we’ve been through things and made it” builds resilience.


What You Can Take Away

Try this:

  • Share a story from your past with someone younger.
  • Ask your parents, grandparents, or chosen family about a time they struggled.
  • Notice how these stories change how you feel about your own life.

When we tell the truth about where we’ve been, we make it easier for others to feel like they belong in the story too.


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