Tips to Use when Reading Bedtime Stories Aloud When you read bedtime stories to your child you are providing him with much more than brief entertainment.
Just by reading aloud you are preparing your child for the future by helping him develop skills and character traits that will prove useful throughout his lifetime.
Parents and children strengthen their bonds as they share this quiet activity.
This is a beloved tradition that has long been passed down from one generation to the next.
It allows memories to be created that will be treasured forever.
From a purely functional standpoint reading aloud to children is a practical and enjoyable way to help kids relax and unwind before going to sleep.
Many parents find that this brief respite from the cares and worries of daily life also helps them relax, and relieves much of their normal stress.
There is no better way to help your child develop a large vocabulary and English skills than by reading stories out loud.
You do not have to limit the book selection to just the usual fairy tales.
Many children enjoy stories that are more advanced than the ones recommended for their present reading level.
If your child is interested in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" or "The Hobbit", then by all means, indulge them.
A child's imagination benefits from having stories read to them at bedtime.
 In addition to helping them create new adventures of their own, they learn to expand their natural talents for acting and role playing.
By reading to your children you are helping to develop their abilities to focus their attention.
This will prove to be very useful to them in school.
Their listening skills are also enhanced by having stories read to them on a regular basis.
The most common benefit of bedtime stories is the fact that this activity is a wonderful way to spark a child's interest in books and reading.
However it is well known that parents who read to their children are helping them develop communication and comprehension skills.
Cognitive skills are also being developed and refined as children listen to their parents read stories out loud.
Your young child is learning to think logically, solve problems and retain information.
Teaching children about emotions is easier when you incorporate it into the stories you are reading to them.
Your child will learn that everyone has emotions, and they will learn to develop greater empathy for others.
Reading stories out loud is a wonderful way to teach moral values, basic manners and respect.
These life lessons are easily understood by children when they are presented as part of the stories that they are being told.
When you read bedtime tales to your children you are enlarging their world and imaginations.
These stories help them learn about the world and different cultures.
Stories are also a method that allows them to vicariously experience a wide variety of adventures that would not otherwise be available.
Helpful Tips for Parents -Create a regular time for reading bedtime stories.
-Having a set routine adds a personal touch to this activity.
Perhaps you could designate a reading chair, or wear a particular hat when you read to your children.
-Always provide a selection of books to choose from.
-Give your child the chance to request his favorite story.
-Set a limit on the number of pages that will be read each night.
-Be enthusiastic in your reading.
-Involve your child in the story telling.
-Provide soft lighting and a quiet environment.
-Do not rush through the stories.
Turn off your cell phone, and do not answer the telephone at story time.
Devote this time of day to reading to your child.