A famous writer once said, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” 

In celebration of National Fairy Tale Day on 26 February, here are three reasons why fairy tales are still relevant today.

Boost imagination and develop creative thinking

Fairy tales cross the boundaries of realities into a realm where anything is possible – where houses are made of candy and princesses can fight dragons. Through fairy tales, children are given opportunities to imagine and think creatively. Imagination fosters social-emotional development, which in turn develops critical thinking in children and cultivates creative problem-solving abilities.  

Teach right from wrong at a most basic level

Fairy tales often have strong moral lessons embedded in the story, where children can easily understand the difference between good and evil, right and wrong. They learn to be the hero, not the villain and celebrate that good triumphs over evil.

Help children manage their emotions

In The Little Company’s production of Gretel and Hansel, the elder sibling Gretel exhibits jealousy while the little brother Hansel displays FOMO. Children can relate to the characters and through the story-telling, learn how to manage the conflict within themselves.

"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales." Albert Einstein

Come watch a re-telling of Grimm Brothers classic fairy tale, Gretel and Hansel from 3 April at KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT. Get your tickets now!