Why are bedtime stories for kids so important?

Bedtime stories for kids. There are very few people in the world who don't love to get tucked into a cosy bed and share a wholesome, enjoyable story. But why are bedtime stories for kids so important?

Bedtime stories for kids, reading together


Now before we start, I want to reassure you that I am well aware that the vast majority of parents and carers out there wholly understand the importance of bedtime stories for kids. They enjoy sharing them, reading with their kids and spending time together. However, we are members of an ever growing screen society. In a survey I carried out in a school a surprising 42% of children spent time using a tablet or smartphone before bed rather than reading. This blog post simply aims to reaffirm the importance of bedtime stories for kids.

When talking about the importance of bedtime stories there are 4 key points that we can consider:

    • Cultivating imagination
    • Creating a bond
    • Encouraging a love of reading
    • Opening the door to writing


Cultivating imagination

When children read or when they share a bedtime story their imagination is in full flow. When we share bedtime stories with children they can be immersed in any story they are exposed to. One evening they might be joining the adventurous little mouse from The Gruffalo, the next exploring a wondrous chocolate factory with Charlie. This imagination will naturally extend into their play and enjoyment, which then naturally extends into their work at school or home.


Creating a bond

Bedtime stories for kids are just as important for them as they are for you. The time before sleep is precious; it is (in most cases) the time when everyone is beginning to wind down, it is the time when you can spend quality time together. When we share a story we share a common activity, and when we do that we create bonds together. These special bonds with your child will only be enhanced through story sharing.


Encouraging a love of reading

Bedtime stories for kids, Dr Seuss, the more that you read

I could happily leave this section at that. Dr. Seuss hit the nail on the head when he was quoted saying the above. Developing a genuine love of reading is something that I have pushed in every classroom that I've been part of. Reading is not only an essential life skill but thanks to a love of reading, children will be exposed to stories and information they would not otherwise come across. With these tools in their box, they'll become more confident, assured people.


Opening the door to writing

When in the primary classroom, it is immediately obvious who the keen and regular readers are. The children who are read to, those who read themselves regularly and those who read a variety of books naturally progress quickly and enjoy the writing process. They have access to a wider vocabulary source, they learn a far greater variety of sentence structures and have a broader imagination at their disposal. Through reading, comes writing!

Bedtime stories for kids, the power of reading


We'll share our favourite bedtime stories for kids in a further post but if you're looking for a change or inspiration it's definitely worth checking out Storyberries. Storyberries is run by Jade, a French-Australian writer who clearly has a passion for sharing beautifully written bedtime stories for kids. I particularly like that she has stories in collections depending on how long they take to read, meaning you can plan bedtime around them!

Whatever you read with your kids, sharing a bedtime story with them should be an enjoyable, bond-creating, loving time. It's certainly an activity I love!

Pinnable image for all your sharing needs:

Why are bedtime stories so important - pinterest


  • Hi LP

    I’d say that you’re completely right!

    I’m sure that his talents and skills are apparent in more ways than those typically expected in school, reading/writing etc.

    When I taught primary school aged children they certainly don’t all love reading to themselves. But at some point (for most) it does click. Sometimes one book can change it all, there are books for all interests, if he’s into video games such as Minecraft there are hundreds of stories and fact books about it. Maybe he’s into sports, the same can be said.

    As you said, you enjoy sharing books together, and that’s half the battle. By sharing books you’re increasing his exposure to language. Therefore, exactly as you said, his vocal imagination will improve.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Grant - eduKidz
  • I do totally agree. I love reading with my son who is 9 and he loves it too but he doesn’t like reading himself or writing so when I read these sort of blogs I do feel a little bit sad as it would be easy to judge me and my son from his work in school but this wouldn’t accurately reflect what goes on at home. However, I hope it is apparent in other ways, through his use of language and vocal imagination.

    L P
  • Spot on. The joy of reading is the best gift you can give your children. The earlier the better.

    Gill Parr

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