A story and off to bed: 7 good reasons to read stories to your child
1. A comforting ritual
For some children, the night represents an anxiety-inducing transition. Leaving mum and dad for the night, watching shadows grow and transform the house and their bedroom, parents less available to meet their needs… To feel reassured, children need to anticipate what is going to happen through landmarks and a cycle of habits such as the bedtime routine — of which the story is a part!
2. A cuddle moment
The evening ritual, a.k.a. the "endless tunnel" — you know the one. And the light at the end of the tunnel (or rather, the day?) is the bedtime story. A unique moment, when everything that needed to be done has been done. Rushing home after nursery or school, dinner, bath, pyjamas, teeth brushing… Reading is a 100% pleasure activity. You finally take the time to listen to each other, discover a new world, re-read a favourite story for the umpteenth time, savour the silences between pages. In short, your parent-child moment where "hurry up, do this, do that" no longer has a place.
3. Stories to grow up well
As parents, we don't always have the answers. Is your little one afraid of the dark? Did a friend upset them at nursery? Do they love pink even though their friends say it's not cool? Rejoice: for every problem, there's a book! It's almost magical, quick and practical. Head to your local library or bookshop and find a book on the topic of the moment. Read it, let your child identify with the characters in the story, then open up the conversation. Snuggled in bed, they'll surely have things to share with you and a lesson to draw from their bedtime story.
4. Developing imagination and culture
We didn't put this argument in position number one because it seems so obvious to us. When we read, we are immersed in a new world, whether real or not. Children discover new characters, colourful universes, and illustrations that nourish their imagination and knowledge.
5. Boosting language skills
Another bonus: your child will discover written language and expand their vocabulary. They'll encounter verb tenses, synonyms, new words and plenty of other tools for self-expression. Don't hesitate to pause your reading to explain any unfamiliar terms.
6. Bye bye screens
Let's talk numbers for a moment (it sounds more serious). According to the WHO, a baby should sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, up to the age of three months. At 3 years old, they need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep. Rest assured, this is an average, not a rule — all children are different. It is during sleep that a child's brain processes the information learned throughout the day. The problem with screens is that they disrupt their biological rhythm. The famous blue light from screens keeps you awake, whereas a book calms and prepares you for sleep. QED. PS: Works for adults too!
7. The memory factory
Do you remember cherished stories you used to read, or listen to, as a child? We sometimes have a childhood book that has stayed with us forever. Reading is a wonderful gift to give our children for later in life. A little madeleine de Proust that carries the scent of evening cuddles, soft lighting and the warmth of the sheets.
It's decided — the bedtime story will be part of your routine, but you still have a few questions…
From what age can you read bedtime stories?
Child psychiatrists agree that you can read even before language develops. Ask your bookseller or librarian for advice — there are books for very young children such as picture books or high-contrast books, like Tana Hoban for example. As for routines, they should be established as early as possible.
What if I don't feel like reading stories?
If you have the opportunity to hand over to your partner, an older brother or sister, then do it. Single parent? No guilt — suggest your child dive into a book they already know, all by themselves like a big kid. Some books also have audio versions, and why not get a story machine? Our favorites: Lunii's Fabrique à histoire, the Merlin storyteller, the Toniebox.
Our book: Charlie, l'envol
We take this opportunity to share our own story, kept secret until now… To mark our 10th anniversary, Mathilde Toulot, the wife of our founder Thomas Lépine, teamed up with illustrator Paddy Donnelly to create a moving story about freedom. As a bonus, we give you a behind-the-scenes look at our brand…
To get your book Charlie, l'envol, there are 3 ways:
- Make a purchase of min. €250 on our e-shop,
- Sign up for our newsletter and enter our monthly draw for a chance to win your book.
- Follow @charliecraneparis on Instagram where we regularly have surprises in store for you!
Happy reading,
The Charlie Team
