Fairy tales, explained for parents
Why Fairy Tales Are Important for Child Development
Fairy tales help kids build empathy, resilience, and imagination. Here’s what they learn—and how to pick stories that match your child’s age.
Fairy tales help kids build empathy, resilience, and imagination. Here’s what they learn—and how to pick stories that match your child’s age.
Fairy tales aren’t just “old stories.” At their best, they give kids a safe place to explore big emotions, scary situations, and moral choices—then watch the hero come out okay. That’s powerful practice for real life.
When your child is the hero, it’s easier for them to connect with the character’s choices. Instead of watching someone else be brave, they’re practicing bravery in story form.
For age-specific recommendations, see our age guide.
Some classics have intense moments. You can keep the benefits without the overwhelm by choosing calmer stories for bedtime, reading together, and pausing to talk about what’s happening (“What do you think the hero should do next?”).
One simple trick: make the nightly book predictable. Same time, same place, same short ritual. For practical routines that work for real families, see how to create a reading habit.
See 4 personalized pages—then decide if it’s the right fit.