Better Bedtime Stories

Better Bedtime Stories

One of the most important things I ever did as a child, was developing a love of reading and learning. Developing a love of reading in kids has so many benefits. Reading helps develop creativity and imagination and can foster critical thinking. 

Another hugely important part of reading to children is creating a routine for bedtime, put simply, a routine of reading to children before bed can help prepare their minds and bodies for sleep and create a strong bond with your child.

Bedtime story reading is a cherished tradition that not only nurtures a love for reading but also promotes mindfulness and relaxation in children, perfect for helping them wind down for sleep. In this blog, we'll look at ideas for how to turn bedtime stories into moments that foster a lifelong passion for reading while instilling mindfulness for a peaceful bedtime routine.

1. Set the Stage:

Start by creating a calm and cozy bedtime environment, you can dim the lights, or even include aromatherapy into a child's bedtime routine. This can start sending signals to the brain that we are preparing for sleep. We can also help prepare the body for sleep with mindfulness such as taking some deep breaths and focusing on the sensation of their breathing to relax them. You can have a look at my blog 7 Simple Mindfulness Ideas for kids bedtime for more suggestions.

1. Interactive Reading:

Incorporate modelling behavior, different voices, sounds or actions. For instance, if the story mentions “Mila took a deep breath in” demonstrate that by taking a deep breath yourself. You can also adjust your tone and pace; for instance, speak slowly when reading as Eeyore and pick up the pace when reading as Tigger.

1. Take it slow and be present:

Be sure to keep a steady pace. Young children need time to take in what they hear and will often pick up on any slight hint of irritability or impatience. When reading to children, remain present and engaged in what you are doing as this will also help your child remain present and engaged in the story.

1. Create Rituals and Traditions:

Establish bedtime reading rituals that children look forward to each night. This could include a special book selection process or cuddling with a favourite stuffed animal. Consistency and predictability in bedtime routines can signal to children that it's time to unwind and prepare for sleep. Routines like this also establish strong bonds and can help allow children to feel secure before going to bed. 

1. Encourage Reflection and Gratitude:

After reading a bedtime story, take a moment for reflection and gratitude. Ask children to share one thing they enjoyed about the story or something they're grateful for that day. This practice promotes positivity, mindfulness, and a sense of connection before bedtime and is a great addition to a bedtime routine.

1. Choose Engaging and Meaningful Stories:

Select bedtime stories that captivate children's imaginations and convey meaningful messages. Opt for books with beautiful illustrations, and gentle storylines. Themes of kindness, empathy, and self-discovery can resonate deeply with children before bedtime. You can also opt for books marketed as bedtime stories as they often have these themes. A bedtime story I authored (Journey to Dreamland - By Alice Pavitt) as an example is written with mindfulness to help young readers feel present when reading and the illustrations and colour palette are conducive to a relaxing and peaceful story and this is a common theme with bedtime stories.

Conclusion:

Bedtime story reading is about storytelling and creating magical moments that inspire a love for reading and promote mindfulness in children, allowing them to settle themselves to sleep. By setting a serene environment, choosing engaging stories, embracing interactive reading, introducing mindfulness moments and creating bedtime rituals, we can transform bedtime into a cherished time of connection, imagination, and mindfulness. Here's to enchanting bedtime stories and peaceful nights for both children and storytellers alike!