Bedtime Stories for Kids
There is probably no more valuable time as a parent than the time spent with your children before bedtime. Traditionally, it is a time for picking up the house, baths, and a bedtime story. But you may wonder what story to choose.
This is one activity that can cost you money or it can be completely free. Many parents buy lots of children's books and amass a large collection for their children to choose from. But if money is tight you don't have to give up bedtime stories. Public libraries are a wonderful resource for parents. The librarian in the children's section can provide suggestions and of course, your children can choose for themselves. There are also lists of award winning books, such as the Newberry awards which are an excellent guide.
Once you have your books at home, pay attention to your child's needs. Young children especially love to hear the same story over and over. While this may seem like a waste of time to you, children benefit developmentally from this repetition. That is why so many stories for young children are repetitive within the story, like "The Little Red Hen." So prepare yourself for your toddler or preschooler to become temporarily obsessed with one particular story.
As your children age, other dilemmas arise. Many children prefer to move on to chapter books. Every night the next chapter or part of a chapter can be read. Some children love the suspense and engagement of a longer book. As your children begin to learn to read for themselves there is no need to give up bedtime stories. Reading aloud lest you share tales with your children that they may not be capable of reading alone. They get to hear richer vocabulary and more complex grammar while they also develop a love for literature. Bedtime stories allow you to spend quality time with your kids and can become a treasured part of your child's day. |