“Children are like wet cement: whatever falls on them makes an impression.” – Haim Ginott
Stories create an impact on the mind of the creator and the listener. In fact, it is only the magic of stories that keep us glued to our TVs (via series and movies) and books (via novels) and gives us life lessons. Do you not agree to have taken inspiration from your superhero? Bedtime stories for kids are great ways for parents to engage and bond with them. While you may not be an avid believer in the fact that bedtime stories can do wonders for your kid, we will take your doubts away with appropriate reasons.
Kids are the best company for anyone to keep because they are innocent, agile, and open to change. And everything you do around them gets their attention. That’s why you often notice them imitating you or anyone they watch or hear about. Kids believe in what you say, learn and practice what you teach, and remember it for a long time. Reading out stories or telling them to imagine involves verbal communication which paints a picture in the mind of the child and improves their cognitive skills. So if you were thinking that reading bedtime stories only helps your kid fall asleep fast, you are in for a surprise here. Learn what are the other amazing benefits of bedtime stories for kids.
6 Super Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories to Kids
Improves Communication
Did you know that about 80% of people with smartphones use them in front of their kids even when they are communicating directly with them? Well, subconsciously we all do. And that has become our lifestyle today. But what I am going to say might shock you.
Did you know that because of this lifestyle, our children are not speaking at the right age?
Did you also know that autism and ADHD (that are medical conditions related to brain development) could be an impact of our lifestyles on them?
Children need quality time from their parents to interact and share how they feel about things. And bedtime stories act as a medium to question, answer and understand each other verbally. All you have to ensure is to pause and let your kid take it all in by discussing the stories with them and watching their fascination.
Improves Their Perception
Bedtime stories for kids introduce them to a whole world of different creatures, emotions, and possibilities. They learn how a cow mows, a lion roars, or a crow caws. They understand how they look and behave and what they eat. They understand the importance of morals like honesty, courage, brevity, compassion, etc. It brings them closer to nature and gives them a direction of how they should become. It develops their brain to distinguish between right and wrong and also improves their ability to judge things better.
“If every child knows a little about the wisdom from different cultures, the world would be a happier and nicer place.” - Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Boosts Reading Capability
Babies are great receptors to information that reaches them through sound, colors, and pictures. So when you read stories aloud, they listen and learn to read. They get the idea of the order to read a book even before their ability to speak. It improves their attention and teaches them the habit to read before bedtime. It also leads to cognitive development in babies.
Builds Temperament and Relieves Off Anxiety
Babies can be extremely moody when they are not tended to or when they need something badly. Bedtime stories for kids build their temperaments and help them get relief from anxiety. It takes them to another world and distracts them from the present situation while dispensing knowledge and wisdom to them. They understand life events and get encouraged to learn more about the world they live in.
Spurs Imagination In Them
Bedtime stories for kids improve their imagination skills and develop their brains. Stories give them the ability to think and wonder about the events in it and allow them to interpret them on their own terms. This isn’t quite possible with movies and series. It activates the creative side of their brain and connects them to the characters of the stories. It also impacts them in a bigger way as they learn decision-making by doing guesswork about how the fictional characters look and behave in the story.
Creates A Habit
It’s important to create good habits for children that can easily convert to their lifestyles. Reading at nighttime is one of those habits that benefit your child in many ways as discussed above. Children are seen to get a good hold of vocabulary when they are regularly read to. It’s great for their mental well-being and encourages them to read and write. Stories increase their concentration levels and improve their problem-solving skills. Stories also expose them to values and morals and make them brave, bold, and accepting.
Repetition is Essential
The time we spend with our children gives us immense pleasure and the activities contribute to their cerebral development. Bedtime stories for kids not just give them knowledge and soothe them but also become a great channel for us to bond with them.
Don’t you feel childlike or a part of the fairy stories you read out to your kids?
Don’t you feel more attached to your kid after the reading session?
Don’t you feel like repeating the process the next day?
Well, I believe you do since reading stories gives you a chance to learn together and also provides stress relief. While you may feel tired from a long day, a ten-minute session before bedtime could light them up and comfort them. From the repetition of this schedule, children too develop the interest to read independently and find their own answers as they grow up. You never know how much they could benefit from this one-to-one session if you haven’t started yet! How about starting it today?
Join us here for a session on how you can understand your child’s behavior better.
“If you see long-term benefit in doing something, but short-term pain then you should do it.” – Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
