Funny Stories Children Tell and Why

Bringing attention to the smallest of our tribes, children are like sponges and soak up everything from us as adults. They see or hear something from us and later on, when we least expect it, it rears its head and comes to light. Sometimes it is in the form of stories that they have heard from other adults, sometimes it is in the form of words that children should probably not say but they have heard from adults around them, and sometimes they just come up with the most comical things on their own. Children are so bright and have so much to say. It is so important that we listen and make sure to guide them in the right direction.

One day while sitting at the table, my granddaughter who was two years old at the time, leaned forward quickly and hit her head slightly, then proceeded to look up at us and say, in the most innocent voice, "oh shit, what just happened?". In the moment, we tried hard not to laugh and encourage because she had actually used that word in the correct context, but of course, at two years old, we don't want her speaking to other children or adults with that language. She wasn't born with it, but she picked it up from one of us along the way, at some point. She is always listening and learning, each and every moment, whether we think she is or not. Children learn to mimic adults because they look up to us and they see us telling stories and laughing and they want to be a part of that behavior.

Small children have a desire to entertain and make people laugh. It is enjoyable for them to know that the adults around them are having a good time and that they are gaining their attention, whether it be parents, siblings or caregivers. Children also have vivid imaginations, and this is one way that their creativity can show itself. From working with children all these years, I can tell you that children embellish stories and make up certain characters and places, but it all leads to a higher development in their creativity and their level of imaginative play.

There have been times when I have also experienced children embellishing or telling funny stories when they are going through periods of stress and anxiety. If there are things that are happening in their lives, they have ways of diverting that, and sometimes it is shown through behavior, but other times it is shown in the way they use their imagination. Children, like us as adults, are no stranger to hiding themselves with diversions if they are struggling. I have seen this particularly when a child has a brand-new sibling and they are just seeking extra attention from the adults around them.

There are times when I sit back and listen to the children as they tell stories to each other in an attempt to socially interact. This is another way that they feel they can be socially accepted. They bond with the other children and create lasting friendships and it becomes just one small way that they start to feel like they fit in with their peers and they then begin to find a comfort level and a common ground.

Children telling funny stories and using their imagination is very healthy for their development. It allows them to relay feelings of certain emotions, connect with their peers, build certain relationships and develop their language and speech. Just always keep in mind, that little ears are always listening, always learning and always developing.