Bedtime used to be a very simple thing. Before you fell asleep, you’d brush your tooth, get into bed and perhaps hear a short story. bedtimestory.kids have taken on an entirely new life in recent years. Not only is it important to get kids to sleep, but also create magical moments that will last long after the lights are turned out.
Remember the days when you were young? Remember how your heart pounded when you heard stories about courageous knights and cunning Foxes? We want to give our children that feeling every night. A good story will transport them to distant lands, where anything is possible.
Let’s now talk about choosing the right story. There’s an art in choosing the right story. It’s a bit like selecting the perfect wine to serve at dinner. You don’t need something that is too frightening or dull. You can choose a classic fairy tale, but you may also want to try something original.
Don’t be afraid of being creative. Add personal touches to the cards for your children. You can add their name, or familiar places that they are familiar with. Then Johnny rode his bicycle all the way from Grandma’s to the house …”.
You can use voice modulation to enhance your story. Have you ever noticed that changing the tone of your voice can bring characters to life? You can add layers to your story by using a deep growl or high-pitched squeak.
Don’t forget the props! You can instantly become a ghost storyteller by placing a flashlight under your chin. Soft background music will also set the perfect mood. These small extras can make a big difference.
Some nights are harder than others. Your child may have had too much sweet or is just not in the mood to read stories. That’s okay! Even storytellers sometimes need a rest. Keep it short, and only read a few lines of their favorite book.
Let’s flip the script to interactive stories, where children can help shape the storyline. You can ask them questions such as “What do think will happen next?” or “How would our hero resolve this problem?”. This keeps them interested and sharpens thinking skills without their knowledge.
Consider creating serial stories which continue every night. A cliffhanger or two keeps the audience interested. Imagine Netflix, but without the screens.
Why not bring the storytelling outdoors on weekends or for special occasions? A campfire under a starlit night sky can transform any story into a saga to be remembered forever.
Even though life can throw curveballs, such as unexpected events or work stressors, sticking to your nightly routine will provide stability for both you and your child.
Have you ever tried to incorporate moral lessons in these stories subtly? It doesn’t need to be preachy. Instead, gentle reminders of kindness or courage can resonate over time.
It’s not always about dragons, castles and grand stories. Sometimes simplicity can be just as powerful. A quiet story about friends finding hidden treasures in the backyard of their home can leave a lasting impression if it is told well.
Parents, don’t forget that you are heroes in your own right. You already juggle multiple roles every day. Adding storyteller extraordinaire to this list is well-deserved.
Grab that book or let your creative juices flow, snuggle close and prepare for another journey. A place where dreams are interwoven with words spoken gently under dimmed lighting until sleep wins over wakefulness once again.