In the past, going to bed was a straightforward affair. Then you would brush your teeth and hop in bed. Maybe even hear a story before falling asleep. The art of storytelling at bedtimestory.kids has evolved over the years. The goal is not to put children to sleep but rather create magical moments which will last well after the lights have gone out.

Remember your childhood? You remember how you felt when you were a child? Every night, we want our children to feel that same feeling. A good tale can transport your child to distant lands and make anything possible.

Now let’s talk more about selecting the right story. Like choosing the perfect wine at dinner, there’s an element of art involved. You don’t wish to read something boring or scary. Sometimes a classic tale will do, but other times a story spun by your imagination can be just as effective.

Get creative and don’t forget to use your imagination! Personal touches are always appreciated by children. Perhaps include their name or add familiar locations they know. Then Johnny rode a bike to Grandma’s house …”.

The use of voice modulation can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. You may have noticed that altering your tone can help bring characters to life. Your story will be richer if you use a deep squeak or growl to represent a mouse, for example.

Props are also important! The use of a flashlight beneath the chin will instantly transform you into a ghost storyteller. Meanwhile, soft background music can set the perfect atmosphere. These little extras make a huge difference.

There are nights that are more difficult than others. Perhaps your child has had too many sweets or just doesn’t want to hear stories. That’s okay! It’s okay! When you’re in a hurry, a few short lines from a favorite book will do.

Flip this script over and let the kids help you create the storyline! Use questions like, “What should happen next?” and “How can our hero fix this problem?” to keep them engaged.

It’s also worth considering serial stories that are continued each night. A little cliffhanger keeps your audience coming back. You can think of it like Netflix but with written words instead of screen.

Why not tell stories outside on weekends and special occasions? Any story can be transformed into an epic tale by telling it under the starlit sky and around a campfire.

Some days life will throw you curveballs – work stressors and unexpected events – but sticking to this ritual every night can provide stability in the midst of chaos for both your child and yourself.

You can incorporate moral lessons into these stories in subtle ways. It does not have to sound like a sermon. Instead, subtle nudges toward kindness or bravery can often resonate over time.

But remember, it’s not all about the grand narratives with castles and dragons. A simple story about two friends finding treasures hidden in their backyard is equally powerful when told well.

Don’t undervalue yourself either, parents! You’re already heroes juggling many roles on a daily basis. And adding storyteller extraordinaire to that list deserves applause.

Grab a book (or use your imagination), and snuggle in close. Tonight, you’ll be taking a journey to lands beyond the realm of reality. Dreams will intertwine with soft words under dimmed light as sleep takes over.