Parenting and Prevention

Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories to Children

By: Rocio Gormley

Once upon a time… 

Where do these words take you? Possibly back to your childhood, especially if you read stories as a child. Reading stories with your children awakens their curiosity and their desire to dream. In addition, it allows you to create special moments with your child and foster their love of reading at a very early age. There are many benefits to reading bedtime stories.

Reading bedtime stories is good for children because…

  • It awakens the imagination. The ability to imagine other worlds and invent characters is a trained skill. Stories are a good tool for stimulating creativity.
  • They become interested in reading. Let your child choose the story so they are excited and engaged. Visiting the library once a week is a wonderful after-school activity. If you let them explore and take the initiative in which book to select, they will feel valued!
  • It increases their attention span. While you read, they are attentive and retain every detail; this is very important in their cognitive development.
  • They increase their vocabulary. Reading books is one of the best ways to expand vocabulary. They’ll learn new words and incorporate them into their language naturally. It will also help them develop their speech.
  • It helps them fall asleep.  When it’s time for storytelling, it’s important to do so in a calm, relaxed environment. If we read the story in a sweet, gentle tone, the child will gradually fall asleep because they will feel protected by a familiar voice. The best time is before going to bed as a part of a bedtime routine.

How do parents benefit from reading bedtime stories to children? 

  • It is an opportunity to transmit values. Explaining certain topics to children can be difficult; let stories help you! Through short, fun stories, you can share lessons and values ​​that will stay with your children throughout their lives.
  • You will learn to communicate better. Maintaining this routine will help you give messages more clearly and capture your children’s attention. Sometimes we think they’re ignoring us on purpose when really they don’t fully understand what we’re trying to say. Stories will help you practice these skills.
  • A time to share. In those moments of connection, you can also share your stories of when you were a child. Don’t limit yourself to reading a book: share your feelings, interests, fears, and thoughts.
  • You will disconnect from daily tasks. By the end of the story, you can snuggle up to your sleeping child, relax, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Technology advances very quickly, and we spend most of our time online, but thanks to these moments, we can have a bonding experience with our children. Doing so every night before bed will help them establish routines and prepare for a safe, restful sleep.

So, the next time you open a book before your little one’s bedtime, remember that you’re creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Sweet dreams!

Rocio E. Gormley is a dedicated Parenting Educator with a passion for working with children and families. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is a certified bilingual facilitator and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling from Bethesda Christian College of Counseling. Rocio has spent several years as a Parenting Educator at Parenting Matters and as a HIPPY Home Visitor with Step Up Suncoast, where she has demonstrated her patience, creativity, and strong people skills. These qualities make her an effective communicator and a valuable team player.

In addition to her work in parenting education, Rocio has over two decades of experience in pastoral care and counseling, serving as co-pastor at Iglesia Palabra de Fe Spanish Church in Sarasota. There, she fulfills both pastoral and administrative duties, alongside providing counseling and pulpit ministry. Married for 33 years with three successful grown children, Rocio is known for her reliability, honesty, and dedication to helping others, both in her professional and personal life.