Why is reading important? The Magic Of Bedtime Stories

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Reading to children is important for so many reasons. Not only does it help with language development, cognitive skills and emotional and social skills, but is also an important way to develop a connection with your child, and there’s plenty of science to back it up, too! Read on to find out more about why reading is so important. 

We all know that bedtimes with little ones can be tricky. Whether you are wrestling them into a bath, chasing them around the house with their pyjamas or embarking on a complex and passionate presentation on the importance of cleaning one’s teeth, you can end up feeling wiped out by the time you’ve finally got them into bed.

It’s not surprising, therefore, that sometimes parents can feel like skipping one important part of the bedtime routine - reading stories.  In fact, only around half of UK parents read to their children once a day.

However, reading to your children is important for many reasons, not least because it's actually fun! Taking the time to open a book and dip your toes into a world of adventure where dragons soar, pirates sail, and heroes embark on daring quests—all from the cosy confines of your child’s bedroom - there are certainly worse parts to parenting, that’s for sure. 

But remember, this nightly ritual isn't just about winding down; it's a cornerstone of childhood development and doing so can bring a whole host of benefits to your child and your relationship, too.

If you are the kind of parent who likes cold, hard facts before you make any kind of patenting decision, never fear - there is plenty of research to back up the notion that reading to your children is a smart idea. Let's look at some of the benefits in more detail.

Children are natural mimics, and while that might not be so great when you accidentally drop an f-bomb while stubbing your toe, the fact that they absorb sounds and words like sponges means frequent reading can help them develop faster. Regular exposure to stories enhances their vocabulary and comprehension skills. According to the Child Mind Institute, reading aloud introduces children to new words and ways of using language, aiding in language acquisition and literacy development. 

Engaging with stories stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Narratives encourage kids to predict outcomes, understand cause and effect, and grasp complex concepts. The Children's Bureau notes that daily reading helps with language acquisition, communication skills, and literacy development.  

Stories are a safe haven for children to explore emotions. Through the characters' experiences, kids learn empathy, resilience, and coping mechanisms. As they navigate tales of joy, sorrow, bravery, and fear, they build their own emotional intelligence. As a parent, you can use stories to help encourage children to express themselves emotionally and resonate with characters facing similar hurdles or problems. There are stories about feeling lonely, managing anger, anxiety, bullying, moving house, divorce, fitting in, discrimination and so much more. These stories can teach valuable life lessons, help children understand how to navigate certain tricky situations and ultimately make them feel less alone. Reading stories can also pave the way for you to have conversations with your children that might feel challenging. 

Reading about diverse characters and situations broadens a child's understanding of the world, fostering social awareness and tolerance. It equips them with the tools to navigate social interactions, understand different perspectives, have empathy, and generally be an all-round excellent human being. Choosing books that encourage your child to learn about different human experiences and cultures can help them to get curious and learn to celebrate, rather than fear, differences. 

Let's face it: There will come a time for all of us when trying to climb into bed with our kids to read a story together will be met with brutal, heartbreaking rejection, so make the most of the moments while they last. There's something profoundly special about the shared experience of a bedtime story. It's a daily opportunity to connect, open up conversations, and learn something new together. This ritual strengthens the parent-child bond, creating memories that last a lifetime, so make it a non-negotiable in your house - even if it's tempting to let them watch another episode of something or play another video game, getting them tucked up in bed with plenty of time to read a story together is well worth it.

Beyond the obvious joys, there's a wealth of research supporting the benefits of reading to children:

• Brain development: A study highlighted by The Times found that consistent routines, including bedtime stories, positively impact children's brain development, particularly in areas related to language and emotional processing.
  
• Academic Success: Regular reading is linked to improved academic performance. Children who are read to frequently are more likely to excel in school, as they enter with a stronger foundation in language and comprehension.

• Mental Health: Reading has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, not just in adults but in children, too. It provides an escape, a way to process emotions, and a means to understand the world around them.

Installing a love of reading in your child can be easy for some parents, but if you are encountering a little resistance, use these tips to make reading a more fun and engaging experience.

Choose the right books: Not all stories are created equal, and it's essential to make sure that you choose a book that's not only age-appropriate but also one that will captivate your child's imagination. For kids aged 4-7, magical bedtime stories, like those offered by Thirty-Three Books, are perfect for whisking them away to fantastical realms while providing food for thought at the same time.

Be expressive: While we know that it's not everyone's cup of tea to ham it up like the finest Shakespearian actor when reading, by being expressive and using different voices for different characters, you can help encourage your child to become more invested in the story. So dig deep to find that inner amateur dramatic and throw yourself wholeheartedly into the tale.

Encourage participation: To help your child feel involved and to ensure that they understand the story, take pauses to ask questions or let your child predict what might happen next. If you think they might not understand a trickier word, ask them, and explain it if they don't know. You could also have them describe the illustrations. This interactive approach enhances comprehension and makes the experience more enjoyable.

Get comfortable: Both you and your child are going to enjoy the story more if you are comfortable and without other distractions - so get snuggled up in bed or create a cosy reading nook with comfy pillows, blankets, soft lighting and fairy lights to make the ritual feel even more special.

Be consistent: Make reading a part of your daily routine. Consistency reinforces the habit and provides a sense of stability for your child.

Even with the best intentions, parents may face challenges when it comes to reading bedtime stories. Some of the most common include:

• Time constraints: Bedtimes with kids can be hectic, and you understandably might be tempted to rush them into bed so you can finally pour that glass of wine and get stuck into the latest episode of The Traitors.  However, if you find yourself rushing at bedtime, try to start your routine a little earlier. On days when things do get the better of you, even a short story that's only a few minutes will have benefits and keep the bedtime reading routine going.
• Reluctant readers: If your child doesn't seem interested in bedtime stories, try to encourage them by giving them more autonomy over what they read. Head to your local library and let them choose some books themselves, or think about what they are most interested in and find books that are related to pique their interest.
• Digital distractions: In the age of screens, traditional reading can take a backseat. To avoid letting screens dominate, make it a rule to "unplug" from a certain point in the evening and use this time for reading. You might have to face some moans and groans, but stand firm, and it will be worth it.

The tales we tell our children do more than entertain; they shape their development, worldview, and future and strengthen your relationship, too. By making bedtime stories a priority, you're not just answering the question, "Why is reading important?"—you're showing them the answer.

So, tonight, as you open a book and embark on another adventure with your little one, know that you're providing so many benefits - ones that will linger long after the final page is turned.

 If you are looking for the ideal ten-minute bedtime stories for kids, we are here to help. Our stories are the ideal 10-minute reads for bedtime, and 33% of any profits from sales will be donated directly to children’s charities - so you can sleep easy too!

Check out our books - available to buy from 03.03.2025!

Want to know what makes a good bedtime story? Find out the secret recipe here!