Jakarta. Fairy tales are more than just bedtime stories; they can significantly enhance a child's imagination, creativity, and inventiveness. In addition to these soft skills, fairy tales can help cultivate local resources and wisdom, according to seasoned storyteller Awam Prakoso.

However, the world of fairy tales faces challenges as they compete with the rising popularity of gadgets and social media among children. Parents play a crucial role in this, as they should limit their children's social media use, Awam said at the Inspirative Talk event presented by the Tanoto Foundation.

Fairy tales also serve to strengthen the bond between parents and children. When offering advice, children are more receptive to messages delivered through stories rather than verbal commands.

"Children must be presented with events so they can grasp the wisdom of the characters in the story. This way, the characters can inspire them. Strong communication between parents and children is essential so that children do not feel lectured," Awam explained.

Stories also enhance children's literacy skills beyond mere reading and writing. Children not only listen to the tales but can also retell them, creating a unique experience that hones their public speaking skills. “Parents can strengthen their bonds with kids through storytelling,” Awam added.

The lessons learned from these stories may carry into adulthood. The communication skills developed through storytelling can benefit children in their future careers, where effective communication is essential.

"Fairy tales are like food; the impact is not immediately visible. In addition to being filling, they must also be healthy. Food nourishes the physical body, while stories or fairy tales fulfill spiritual needs," Awam said, emphasizing that teachers can also incorporate fairy tales into their lessons.

Awam founded Kampung Dongeng, a program that trains individuals to become better storytellers. The initiative attracts participants of all ages from across the country, generating dozens of storytelling teachers and volunteers annually. Training is also available for younger storytellers, and volunteers help raise awareness of local wisdom amid the increasingly digital era.

"Everyone can be a storyteller; you can become a volunteer and a fairy tale activist," Awam encouraged.