One story and in bed: 7 good reasons to read stories to your child
1. A comforting ritual
For some children, the night is a stressful transition. Leaving dad and mom for the night, watching the shadows that transform the house and bedroom grow, parents who are less present to meet their needs... In order to be reassured, children need to anticipate what will happen thanks to landmarks and a cycle of habits such as the evening ritual. Of which history is a part!
2. A cuddly moment
You know the evening ritual aka “Infinity Tunnel”. And the end of the tunnel (what am I saying, of the day?) , that's the story of the evening. A unique moment, where we did everything we needed to do. Coming home quickly after nursery or school, dinner, bath, bath, pajamas, brushing teeth... Reading is a 100% fun activity. We finally take the time to listen to each other, to discover a new world, to reread the umpteenth time the favorite story, to savor the silences between the pages. In short, your parent-child moment where “Hurry up, do this, and that” are out of place.
3. Stories to grow well
As parents, we don't always have the solutions. Is kitten afraid of the dark? Did her girlfriend bother her at daycare? Does he like pink when his friends tell him it sucks? Rejoice: there is a book for every problem! It's almost magical, fast and practical. Go and pick up a book on the issue of the moment in the local library or bookstore. Read it, let your child identify with the characters in the story, and then open up the debate. In the depths of his bed, he will surely have things to tell you and a moral to draw from his evening story.
4. Develop your imagination and your culture
We did not put this argument in position number 1 because it seems so obvious to us. When you read, you are plunged into a new world, whether it is real or not. Children discover new characters, colorful worlds, and drawings that nourish their imagination and knowledge.
5 Boost your language
Another bonus: your child will discover written language and expand their vocabulary. He will discover verb tenses, synonyms, new words and many other tools to express himself. Do not hesitate to stop reading to explain to him the terms that are still unknown.
6. Bye bye the screens
Let's talk a bit about numbers (that's more serious). According to the WHO, a baby should sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day, up to three months of age. At 3 years old, he would need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep. Don't worry, it's an average, not a law, all children are different. It is during sleep that the child's brain integrates the information learned throughout the day. The problem with screens is that they disrupt their biological rhythms. The famous blue light on screens keeps you awake, while a book calms and prepares you for sleep. CQFD. PS: Works for adults too!
7. The souvenir factory
Do you remember cherished stories that you read or listened to as a child? Sometimes we have a childhood book that has always followed us. Reading is a great gift to give to our children for later. A little Madeleine by Proust that smells of evening hugs, the subdued light and the softness of the sheets.
It's decided, the evening story will be part of your rituals, but you still have a few questions...
From what age can we read bedtime stories?
Child psychiatrists agree that you can read, even before language development. Ask your bookseller or librarian for advice, there are books for toddlers such as picture books or contrasting books — Tana Hoban for example. As for rituals, they should be established as soon as possible.
What if I don't want to read stories?
If you have the opportunity to pass the baton to your partner, to an older brother or a big sister, then do it. Single parent? We do not feel guilty, and we suggest that the child plunge into a book he already knows, alone as a grown-up. Some books also have audio versions and why not take a story box? Our favorites: The Lunii Story Factory, The Storyteller Merlin, The Tonibox.
Our book: Charlie, L'Envol
We take this opportunity to tell you about our history, which has been kept secret until now... On the occasion of our 10 years, Mathilde Toulot, the wife of our founder Thomas Lépine, teamed up with the illustrator Paddy Donnelly in order to imagine a moving story about freedom. As a bonus, we show you what's behind the scenes of our brand...
To get your book Charlie, L'Envol, there are 3 solutions:
- Make a purchase of min. €250 on our e-shop,
- Sign up for our newsletter and participate in 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,
La Team Charlie
