Page 5 | Do bedtime stories still work?

JayGardener · 2026-01-02T12:09:23+00:00

is it just in movies or do kids actually love bedtime stories? If yes, what kind?

MaraScottie · 02/01/2026 12:49

Reading to your kids is so important on so many levels.

Original poster

JayGardener · 02/01/2026 12:47

Dramatic · 02/01/2026 12:20

Yes my 5yo loves a bedtime story, her favourites are:
Smartest Giant in Town
Paper Dolls
Mummy I Love You
The Dancing Tiger
The Smeds and the Smoos
Tabby Mctat
Silly Goose
My Pet Star
The Star of the Zoo

I'll try them
Thank you 🙏

OP posts:

Sahara123 · 02/01/2026 12:47

Mine are in their 30’s now and still have fond memories of their bedtime stories, that lovely time cuddled up in bed, sometimes I used to make up stories too.
My daughter is already reading little stories to my 5 week old granddaughter. She’ll love just hearing her mums tone of voice at that age.
I guess you could try, but the 12 year old might think you’ve gone a bit mad ..

VivienneDelacroix · 02/01/2026 12:47

Yes of course they still work. Take a look at the Cbeebies bedtime stories for some ideas of books, or even better go to the library with your children. Some mine loved were:
On Sudden Hill
The Girls
The Boys
Where The Wild Things Are
Little One I Knew You'd Come
The Miffy books
Oliver Jeffers books
Dr Seuss books (not my favourite!)

Those were some of the best times. I do still read to my 11 year old every night, but obviously not picture books!

LittleBearPad · 02/01/2026 12:45

It’s pretty late, yes but better late than never. You’ll need to find a book they can both enjoy together as you’ll be reading chapter books not Julia Donaldson. What books did you enjoy at their age?

I am intrigued as to how you got thus far without stories at bedtime.

Original poster

JayGardener · 02/01/2026 12:45

Puffalicious · 02/01/2026 12:15

I voted YABU to even question it! Children love stories full stop- bedtime & every other time. You're doing them a huge disservice if you don't read to your children.

They won't respond out of the blue, it needs to be a constant in their life. My 3DC were read books from the moment they were newborns, so developed a love for them. It takes time to build that love. They also won't like every book, they'll have favourites & also not care much for others. Which is why visiting the library with them is crucial - free & lots of choice. I believe the right book, read well can excite any child- even up to teens.

I really can't get my head around why a parent wouldn't be reading to their child.

I can confidently say there are a lot that don't but I'll definitely start.😅
I'm hoping our bond will be stronger

OP posts:

Barnbrack · 02/01/2026 12:44

JayGardener · 02/01/2026 12:42

I'm thinking of starting. One is 8 and the other 12😅
Is it too late

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You never read to them as babies, toddlers etc?

Original poster

JayGardener · 02/01/2026 12:42

Mumdiva99 · 02/01/2026 12:12

Of course they love bedtime stories.

Depends on their age and interests (and parents interest as you are reading them).

What books do you have already?

I'm thinking of starting. One is 8 and the other 12😅
Is it too late

OP posts:

Gofaster2023 · 02/01/2026 12:30

As a teacher I read aloud to children from 4 -12. One of our upper school teachers ran a reading club after school and regularly had nearly 40 children (bearing in mind it isnt a big school so this was a significant proportion of the department) and if I'd pop in to borrow something I would regularly see them all completely captivated by her storytelling. Quite often I'd stay too, truth be told!

Cleikumstovies · 02/01/2026 12:26

Yes. Worked for me, worked for dh. Worked for DD. Both parents need to read, and should not be a chore. Builds love, confidence and affection. Helps with developing a well adjusted child. Encourages reading in later life.

Dramatic · 02/01/2026 12:20

Yes my 5yo loves a bedtime story, her favourites are:
Smartest Giant in Town
Paper Dolls
Mummy I Love You
The Dancing Tiger
The Smeds and the Smoos
Tabby Mctat
Silly Goose
My Pet Star
The Star of the Zoo

Puffalicious · 02/01/2026 12:18

And exactly as PP said, bedtime stories are part of the calm transition to bed. At best they plant lovely ideas in their little heads to think about as they drift off.

2 of mine have ASN & the stories worked as well as any other child.

MrsSkylerWhite · 02/01/2026 12:17

Yes, of course they do.
Depends entirely on the age of the child and their likes/dislikes as to what to read.

Puffalicious · 02/01/2026 12:15

I voted YABU to even question it! Children love stories full stop- bedtime & every other time. You're doing them a huge disservice if you don't read to your children.

They won't respond out of the blue, it needs to be a constant in their life. My 3DC were read books from the moment they were newborns, so developed a love for them. It takes time to build that love. They also won't like every book, they'll have favourites & also not care much for others. Which is why visiting the library with them is crucial - free & lots of choice. I believe the right book, read well can excite any child- even up to teens.

I really can't get my head around why a parent wouldn't be reading to their child.

Justbecauseyoucandoesntmeanyoushould · 02/01/2026 12:15

Yes, kids love bedtime stories.

Abra1t · 02/01/2026 12:14

I’m sure there is good evidence for them working on a number of levels. Encouraging love of books and reading. Emotional and psychological boosting. Transitioning from busy and sometimes difficult day to another mental state, helping sleep.

Mumdiva99 · 02/01/2026 12:12

Of course they love bedtime stories.

Depends on their age and interests (and parents interest as you are reading them).

What books do you have already?