Successfully reading bedtime stories to children at different stages of development is rewarding but needs some planning

We’ve been reading bedtime stories to both of our children together their whole lives and with DD at eight and DS at five, we have a few suggestions for finding the right balance so that both children get the most from the experience. This advice covers everything from basic board book to classic children’s literature (although reading a childhood favourite book to your children doesn’t always go to plan).  

Offer them a choice of bedtime story 

To help get buy-in each night, we alternate which child gets to choose the book. When it’s their turn, we present the child with three books to choose from. The three choices can be of different levels (for example offering a board book, an illustrated book, and a graphic novel) which allows the younger child to level-up or the older child to relive an old favourite from when they were younger. 

Edit as you read 

If the subject matter is a little too advanced for our youngest, I will scan ahead as I read and try to edit. The older child can see the text as I’m reading, anyway, so she gets the full version and knows not to correct me when I change a word or leave out a sentence.  

Tone down the scary voices 

When I do choose to read out words, phrases or plot points that I think may concern our youngest, I’ll try to use a more upbeat or matter-of-fact tone of voice so that the impact is lessened. Scary characters can retain their impact without leaving the younger child wide-eyed after lights out.  

Ask them questions as you read 

If the book is one for younger readers, then that sibling may enjoy comprehensive questions. However, for the older child – especially if the story has been read countless times in the family – getting buy-in from them may come via more conceptual questions: about character motives, what happens next, the style of the writing or similarities with other books.