How Fairy Tales (Folklores) Improve Child's Development

 

Fairy tales (folklores) have existed right from the dim past ages till today, captivating young minds with memorable characters and timeless themes. These stories, usually told in Africa particularly in  moonlight, have a profound impact on children's development: teaching them right and wrong and their consequences, wisdom, humility, empathy, resilience, and morals. Fairy tales or folklores shape children's understanding of the world, influence their emotional intelligence, foster their creativity and imagination, and inculcate moral principles into them. From the Brothers Grimm's classic tales of Europe to the ancient folklores of Africa and Asia, fairy tales have been a universal language, transcending cultures, and borders to speak to children's hearts and minds. Besides the lessons of life drawn from the stories, it was the best way of entertaining the children and relaxing after returning from tedious activities in the farms. 

One of the primary ways in which fairy tales (folklores) improve children's development is by providing a framework for understanding the world and its complexities. Fairy tales (folklores) often feature clear moral  dichotomies, with good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and justice and equity prevailing in the end. These stories help children learn so many things about the world, environment, and the larger society. These stories teach children about cause and effect, responsibility, implicit obedience to parents and elders, and importance of making good choices against bad ones. For example, in the classic tale of Cinderella, the protagonist's kindness and perseverance are rewarded, while her stepmother's cruelty is punished accordingly, teaching the principles of cause and effect, and the value of empathy and kindness. In the story of Why The Tortoise Has Rough Shell, it shows the love and support that all the birds have given the Tortoise when they were invited to attend a high party in the outer sky. The Tortoise is not a bird. It does not have ornithological characteristics like eagle, dove, hawk, and commorant etc. It cannot fly because it does not have feathers. All the birds donated feathers to the Tortoise to enable him participate in the grand party in the skyline irrespective of his amphibious nature. Before the journey, he was known as Tortoise (Mbe, in Igbo Language). But, immediately reaching the party venue in the skyline, he told the Celebrant or Host of the grand party that his name was "All of You." He did this because he knew in advance that one event central in every party is eating of delicious food and drinking of costly wines. So, all the birds were watching him. He is not a bird. He has no business flying. But, the birds helped him to fly to the clouds, making him the first living thing outside the Kingdom of Birds, to fly to the higher altitudes. Now, how did he reward the birds? When the Celebrant brought the share of symptuos food and wines for the birds, he said, "This is for All of You." That was how the Tortoise took all the food and drinks meant for all the birds on Earth, and began to eat and drink alone. The birds came to beg him for food because they were very tired and hungry. They badly needed refreshment. But, the Tortoise vehemently turned down their requests. But, unfortunately for him, all the birds conspired against him and demanded for their feathers. All the birds, one by one, took their feathers they gave to the Tortoise. So, they left the party with anger and disappointment. Now, the Tortoise had no feathers to fly back to the Earth. So, he helplessly fell down to the Earth and his shells broke into shreds. He got his healing. But, his shell is shattered till today. This story vividly teaches that the Tortoise was a character of greed, ungratefulness, deceit, and gluttony.  He paid evil for good. This story teaches children not to pay evil for good. It teaches them to shun greed, ungratefulness, deceit, lies, impersonation, and excessive eating (gluttony). The birds had self-control. They did not fight with the Tortoise. 

Fairy tales (folklores) also play a key role in shaping children's emotional intelligence. These stories often feature characters who face challenges, fears, and anxieties, allowing children to process and understand their own emotions through those characters' experiences. By identifying with those characters' struggles and triumphs, children develop empathy and self-awareness, which are  essential skills for navigating the complexities of human relationships. For example, in the tale of Sleeping Beauty, the princess' journey through sleep and awakening can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges of growing up and overcoming obstacles. 

In another Igbo folklore, Nigeria, there is a story called How The Tortoise Became King of the Animal Kingdom. According to the story, the final contestants for the throne were the Elephant and the Tortoise. The Elephant boasted of his big size and power. He roundly underated the Tortoise. In the presence of all animals, he flagrantly insulted the Tortoise. But, the Tortoise kept quiet. He clandestinely plotted for the fall of the Elephant. In his heart, the Tortoise vowed to emerge as the King of the Animal Kingdom. The Animal Kingdom gave both contestants, the Elephant and Tortoise, one condition to fulfill before ruling over them. What was the requirement? They were to cook pounded yam with delicious soup and bring to them at the village square. The one who brings his food first shall ascend the lofty throne of the Animals Kingdom. Upon hearing this statement, both Elephant and Tortoise sent away their wives to go and begin cooking the food immediately. While the Elephant was relying on his mighty size and strength, the Tortoise was wise and silent. He did an underground work against the Elephant. The Tortoise hired people who were not members of his family to go and fetch water for him very early that morning. The Tortoise knew that the Elephant's wife loved music and dancing. So, having known this, he went and brought a drum and went to the road that leads to the stream. He started to beat the drum with much expertise. He sang melodiously praising the adoring beauty of Elephant's wife. When the Elephant's wife heard it, she forgot everything about the contest for the kingship. Her idea was that, since the Tortoise himself was there and had forgotten everything about the kingship competition, there was nothing wrong dancing and enjoying herself. 

When the Tortoise's wife finished cooking, she carried the food to the designated venue. She sent her little son to go and tell her husband to come home to dress up for the great occasion. That was when it dawned on the Elephant's wife that she had been distracted. Before she returned from the stream to begin cooking, the Tortoise was already sitting on the throne of the Animal Kingdom, with the golden crown upon his head. That was how the Tortoise became the King of the Animal Kingdom. There are many lessons to learn from this story. Wisdom and silence are stronger than physical strength and size. Don't boast in the presence of your enemy or opponent. If you do, your utterances will teach him how to prepare and arm himself against you. Understand your enemy's weak and strong points. The Tortoise and his family were united together for the purpose of winning the kingship. The Elephant and his wife were not united. They did not mean business! The Tortoise knew the weak points of the Elephant's family. He used it to work against them. He sang and praised the Elephant's wife for her alluring beauty, delaying and distracting her from her focus. Why should a woman whose husband is vying for the throne of a kingdom be dancing when she is supposed to be cooking? She prioritized her beauty and praise above the throne. 

Furthermore, fairy tales have a profound impact on children's development, creativity, and imagination. These stories often feature magical worlds, fantastical creatures, and extraordinary events, inspiring children to think creatively and imagine possibilities beyond their everyday reality. By engaging with fairy tales, children develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills, learning to analyze and interpret symbolic language, and think outside the box. For example, in the tales of the Arabian Night, the magical worlds and creatures inspire children to imagine and create their own stories and worlds. In addition to their cognitive and emotional benefits, fairy tales also provide a window into different cultures and traditions. By exploring the folklores and mythology of various cultures, children can gain a deeper understanding of the world's diversity and richness. For example, African folklores like Anansi the Spider teaches children about the importance of cleverness and wit, while Japanese folklores like Urashina Taro explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the human condition.

In conclusion, fairy tales have a profound impact on children's development, shaping their understanding of the world, influencing their emotional intelligence, and fostering their creativity and imagination. These timeless stories have undoubtedly improved children's understanding of this life for ages. By engaging with fairy tales, children develop essential skills, values, morals, and perspectives that will serve them throughout their lives. Folklores teach children not to believe everything people tell them, particularly if there is no empirical evidence to prove it. It teaches hardwork, honesty, truth, empathy, humility, contentment, and resilience. As we continue to tell these folklores to the children, we nurture the imaginations and creativity of future generations, inspiring them to dream, imagine, and create their own worlds.

Please, kindly share this post with your friends and loved ones. Thank you very much.