July 22nd, 2026
An Introduction to the Power of Storytelling
Some of us love stories, both telling them and learning about them. Others of us like hearing about stories or reading, but maybe aren’t too keen on storytelling ourselves. Some of us are voracious readers while others of us find books boring. If you’re in the former category, it won’t take you much convincing to believe in the tremendous power storytelling has. For those of you in the latter category, I encourage you to continue reading to learn what you’re missing out on.
Storytelling has been an incredibly important facet of society for all of human history, whether that be written texts or oral story sharing. Storytelling is even older than writing (National Geographic Society 2022). Not only have humans used fictional stories to convey real-life lessons or truths, but we’ve used stories as a way to express our vast imaginations, inspiring both children and adults alike. Storytelling has occurred in every culture and every age, and existed (and still exists) to entertain, inform, and spread cultural traditions and values (National Geographic Society 2022). In many cases with stories, truth is often much less important than cultural cohesion (National Geographic Society 2022).
The Loneliness Epidemic in Modern Parenting
Between the cost of living—including the hospital costs to have a baby, daycare, buying baby products, groceries, housing, and more—and our deeply individualized, nuclear-style structure leading to increased loneliness among parents (among other causes), mothers now more than ever are feeling the strain of being unconnected.
A survey done by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center cites that “a broad majority of parents experience isolation, loneliness, and burnout from the demans of parenthood, with many feeling a lack of support in fulfilling that role” (New Survey… 2024). This survey, containing 265 parents, discovered that two-thirds (66%) of parents felt the demands of parenthood to be frequently isolating and lonely (New Survey… 2024). Additionally, nearly 4 in 5 parents would value a way to connect with other parents outside work and home (New Survey… 2024).
Two things are obvious about these statistics. One, 265 parents isn’t many in the grand scheme of things. With that being said, I imagine the numbers would be quite similar even if 300,000 parents in America were surveyed. Two, this survey included both fathers and mothers. While I do not intend to devalue the challenges of fatherhood, I imagine these loneliness issues could be more prevalent among mothers than fathers. Mothers are more likely to be stay-at-home caretakers than men, which can be very convenient since that mother doesn’t have to worry about juggling both her kids and her job, but the bitter to that sweet side is that it can potentially be more lonely. Secondly, women more often shoulder parental responsibilities more than men do, partly because of culture and partly because of biological reality.
Another obvious fact is that these statistics are grim. In the economic and social state our society is in, how can we bring back some of that ancient power, the communal structure that most humans lived in before our families became separated by fences? How can we turn these numbers around? While it would be greatly helpful for more organizations like South Project to exist to uplift parents materially, psychologically, and socially, there is another tactic all parents can use to fight this increasing loneliness:
Storytelling.
My Story
I’ll begin with a short narrative about my own experience with storytelling. I’m someone who, by nature, loves to write and read, but I understand not everyone is into it. I find journaling, writing poems, and reading to be very relieving. But I’m also by nature an introvert who isn’t nearly as good verbally as I am in writing.
When I entered college and became an English major, I had a chance to join in on what you would call open mics. Open mics generally happen in places like cafes, some bars, libraries, and maybe public parks. They can involve reciting poems you’ve written, excerpts from your own stories or books, short comedy skits, singing, and playing instruments. I had written poetry for years at that point and decided to be brave and attend my first open mic. How different could it be, really, from all the spelling bees I went to?
Although I felt slightly jittery and had trouble meeting people’s eyes, my first time reciting my own poems went surprisingly well. After all, I had a script I could lean on, those scripts being my poems. It wasn’t completely impromptu. I went on to attend more open mics and even win prizes for doing so.
But something else happens during open mics other than sweaty palms and occasional prizes. Connection happens. Open mics very much operate under the principle of openness and mutual respect for another person’s creation. I’ve firsthand witnessed people stepping up behind microphones and reciting poems about the most deeply hurtful moments in their lives. I’ve seen people’s eyes tear up while doing so. I’ve seen otherwise shy people find connection by openly sharing the most vulnerable pieces of their lives. And without those open mics, they likely never would’ve shared. But they did because they were finally given a platform to do so.
And I feel that my experience being a poet and attending open mics reveals something many parents in America are missing. A platform. Sure, there are mommy Facebook groups and school PTAs, but many of these things can carry a sense of impersonal-ness. What I believe many parents are lacking is a sense of strong, constant community support and platforms for personal expression.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, storytelling has been used across the centuries mostly for cultural cohesion, and even a brief study into different cultures reveals that it’s been used at any and all celebrations, ceremonies, or milestones. But storytelling is still effectual and important on a regular Tuesday evening. Across time and cultures, stories can be accompanied by feasts, dancing, styles of dress, and certain rituals. For the average American family, you’re likely not going to get this extreme on any given day. But incorporating storytelling can strengthen bonds between families and even strangers in a way you never saw coming.
So if you’re wondering how you can fight back against this monster eating at the moms and dads of America, I’ve collected what I believe are the top 5 most important storytelling-based lifestyle changes that you can adopt as a parent.
1. Open Mics
As intimidating or nerdy as it may sound, research open mics in your area. They may be a bit tricky to locate, as the people who create and attend them tend to be the quieter sort (ask me how I know). If doing some Google searching doesn’t get you the results you want, visit your local libraries, coffee shops, and bars and ask around to see if they ever host. If you are unable to discover any official open mic location, you may want to go about creating one yourself. Inquire at one or all of the above locations about whether they accept hosting such a thing. If all else fails, starting an unofficial open mic at your home, a park, or your church could work too.
And they are much easier to stage than you think. The hardest part is sourcing the equipment, unless the space is small enough that a mic is not needed. After that, picking a time, a space, and sending out invites and a theme for the night (if applicable) is all that’s needed. As for material for you to read, I suggest (if you’re very nervous) to recite the work of others first (and make sure to give credit). Then, work your way up to reciting your own stories, poems, or songs. Make open mics a routine part of your life. It may be awkward at first, but it will give you the exposure that will help fight your loneliness.
2. Book Clubs
This one might feel like an eye-roller if you’re not into books, but book clubs can still happen ina room full of audiobook listeners. As with open mics, search your area and discover if there are clubs where you live. Try Facebook and other social media platforms. If necessary, you can try to create your own club. While book clubs involve sharing opinions on the stories of other people, they are still highly useful for many reasons. You learn and expand your knowledge through reading, make friends, have fun discussing a book campfire-style, sharpen your oratory abilities, and even learn how to properly discuss differing opinions.
3. Testimony Sessions
This one is specifically for people of faith, so feel free to skip to the next point if this does not apply to you. Testimony sessions involve gathering at your church (or if not at your church, gathering somewhere with the people you go to church with) and sharing the story of how you came to faith. This can expand into many sessions depending upon how large the church is that you attend. And while this may seem like a one-time event, it isn’t, because your testimony and your faith journey is ever growing as time moves forward. Like a spiritually-oriented open mic, testimony sessions create a stronger sense of connection because members of a faith, open the doors to healing, and increase confidence in your beliefs.
4. Story Time with the Kids
One of my best memories is having my mom read stories to me at night. I didn’t know it then, but it not only lulled me to sleep, but it helped me learn how to comprehend words and spark my imagination. I have a fear that modern-day parents aren’t reading to their kids as much. I implore parents to bring back reading books to their children and having storytime. It’s so valuable for their learning and enrichment. Outside of the home, children’s storytime can also happen in other places like churches or libraries.
5. Family Story Sharing
Similar to reading books to your children, family story time can happen both in the home and gathered with other parents and their children. The idea is simple. Gather around, campfire-style, and share one thing about your week, day, or month (depending on the frequency of how you do this). This can be a funny joke you thought up, something you witnessed, or an impromptu story. The goal here is to create connection through vulnerability. You’re vulnerable because rather than come home and immediately shut your door and look at your phone (which I am guilty of), you choose to open up. Create a schedule and try to stick with it.
Go Tell a Story!
My recommendation for incorporating this storytelling-based advice into your life is to begin with 4 and 5 first, as those are the easiest. The shoot for 2, then 3 if applicable, then 1. My hope is that creating and discussing stories doesn’t remain just a quirky thing for bookish people to do, but something powerful we can all take part in.
Works Cited
“New Survey Finds Loneliness Epidemic Runs Deep Among Parents.” The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 24 Apr. 2024. https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/mediaroom/pressreleaselisting/new-survey-finds-loneliness-epidemic-runs-deep-among-parents
National Geographic Society. (2022). Storytelling and Cultural Traditions | National Geographic Society. In education.nationalgeographic.org. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/storytelling-and-cultural-traditions/
About the Author
Krista Ruffo, born and raised in Orlando, Florida, began blogging with South Project in February of 2025. She’s a University of Central Florida graduate with a BA in English and a Certificate in Editing and Publishing. A passionate writer and reader, Krista aspires to work in book publishing in the future. She currently works as a Content Coordinator for a family magazine and as a Marketing Representative and in Data Entry for a water treatment company. In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, taking photos, hiking, and gardening.