After a fun-filled, action packed day of exploring, learning and using vast amounts of energy, children need time to slow down and relax before they are ready to go to sleep. Fostering a routine that includes a bedtime story together is not only wonderful at helping them to wind down but has many more benefits too.

At the end of a busy day, time to snuggle up and share a story together is such a special time. Creating the most magical memories both you and your child will treasure. One of the biggest bonuses of bedtime stories is the opportunity it creates to enjoy an abundance of cuddles. Cuddling we know is really good for our children’s brains but it is also good for us too. As they snuggle in, they are listening to their parent’s voice, which in itself is very soothing and calming. The wriggling and wiggling will start to subside and the time to connect by giving your undivided attention will make you both feel wonderful.

Reading provides an opportunity to enhance their language and learn lots of new words daily. Forever adding to their extending vocabulary, it may expose them to words they may not have heard otherwise. It is said to improve concentration levels, ignite a child’s natural curiosity further, prompting questions, encourages conversations and develops their overall understanding of the wider world around us.

We all know that reading is good for us, but did you know it gives your child a head start for their future? Many studies have reported that reading for as little as 10 minutes per day can significantly boost how well your child does at school and beyond. Reading helps to fuel your child’s imagination by listening to the words and sounds and looking at the beautiful illustrations, providing them with lots of fabulous ideas. Encouraging and developing their creativity as they use the ideas in their own heads to inform their play. Albert Einstein once said that “ Imagination is more important than knowledge, knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Reading is a lifelong skill and by sharing books regularly together you will positively spark a natural love of books. At Future Champions we encourage you to read aloud, sing songs and nursery rhymes as much as possible.  We know that books aren’t just for bedtime but we do believe this is a perfect way to finish your day.  Don’t forget a trip to your local library is an inexpensive and exciting way to choose the next book you will share together.

Photo by Picsea on Unsplash
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