Reading bedtime stories to your children is not just about robotically reciting lines from the same book over and over again, night after night. Instead, kids perceive this as a very special time to snuggle and connect with their parents before going to sleep. This one-on-one attention creates lasting memories of closeness, nurturing, and security that will remain with a child throughout their life. Some days you may not feel like going through this ritual, but rest assured, your child counts on it as an essential part of their daily routine.
Timing is important when deciding when to read. Younger children may appreciate sitting on your lap in a rocking chair, while older kids might prefer to be tucked into bed before hearing the story. Be sure that teeth are brushed, the potty is used, and water is drunk before diving into the book. Once the tale ends, sleepy eyelids can fall heavy upon little eyes.
You’ll be relieved to know that you don’t always have to read a book. Kids are known for wanting the same exact story read to them repeatedly until Mom and Dad practically have it memorized. This is how children learn, and they find repetition comforting. Occasionally mix it up by telling your child a story from real life or one you’ve made up yourself. Avoid the stereotypical “Once upon a time…” type of tales; instead, be a little more creative. You can make this exercise interactive by having your children give you a storyline or by letting them fill in a word here and there. If you choose to draw from real life, treat your kids to a true story about a famous ancestor or a funny relative. Not only will they love the narrative, but they’ll also benefit from learning a bit of family history.
For beginning readers, you can have them read a book to you occasionally. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to gauge your child’s reading proficiency while giving them some valuable practice. Start with easy books and gradually introduce more challenging material. Your child’s vocabulary will expand exponentially with Mom or Dad by their side, explaining the meaning of new words. Once your child becomes a fluent reader in your native language, consider adding books in other languages—perhaps one you hope your son or daughter will study into adulthood. Who knows, maybe you’ll become bilingual in the process!
When deciding which book to read to your child, or which tale to tell, make sure it’s appropriate pre-slumber material. Many children, especially those with active imaginations, can be plagued by nightmares. Even seemingly benign traditional fairy tales can be frightening. No child wants to drift off to sleep thinking about getting lost in dark, scary woods or being kidnapped by a witch! Most adults would prefer dreams of rainbows and unicorns over the stuff of these old stories. Be sensitive to your child’s thoughts and imagination, as a little frightening inspiration can conjure up a lot.
Great books for children often have a moral to the story. Take advantage of this one-on-one time to teach your child a life lesson. The moral doesn’t have to be profound; it can be something simple like keeping their room clean, not littering, recycling, or not fighting with siblings. Since the moral may not be evident to a child, it’s essential to point it out and discuss it with them. Ask questions to help them assimilate the information.
In addition to reading an actual book each night, this can be a great time to touch base with each of your kids about their day. Ask what their favorite part was and what they wish had gone differently. Try to decipher if something may be bothering them and formulate potential solutions if there is a problem. Use this precious time to teach your children about compassion and the importance of doing and being their best every day. Remind them, however, that they don’t have to be perfect. A little bedtime pep talk can set the stage for an enthusiastic morning.
Besides the pep talk, let your kids know how much you love them before they get some shut-eye. Tell them all the things you adore about them. Build them up and fill their minds with lovely thoughts about how precious they are to their parents and how exciting life can be. Help mold them into positive people who are charming and pleasant to be around. Put a smile on their faces before they drift off to slumberland.
If you’re struggling to decide which books to read, some great bedtime stories for younger kids include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! or anything else by Dr. Seuss, books from the Berenstain Bears series, or the Peter Rabbit series by Stan and Jan Berenstain and Beatrix Potter, respectively. Curious George books by H.A. Rey are wonderful choices, as are most Disney books (not the scary ones!). For older kids, consider the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene, or the Hardy Boys books by Franklin W. Dixon.
The importance of bedtime stories can be measured by the joy they bring to your children. Sweet moments of snuggling, bonding, talking, laughing, and loving with your kids are invaluable. Don’t take this time for granted—your children certainly don’t. Give your kids a happy ending to each and every day!
