More than half of parents say reading bedtime stories helps their kids fall asleep, study reveals
THE average parent will read the same bedtime story to their little one 416 times a year.
A poll of 1,000 mums and dads with children aged up to four, found 79 per cent have re-read the same book at their child’s request.
With the typical week seeing them read their child’s favourite tale from start to finish an average of eight times, with parents putting up with the same book on six consecutive days.
It also emerged they dedicate 48 minutes to reading the most loved book each week – with each individual read lasting six minutes.
More than eight in 10 are so familiar with their child’s favourite stories that they can recite at least one off by heart, with many claiming they can remember as many as eight.
Busy Bees commissioned the research following the launch of Bee Curious, an independently evaluated early years curriculum.
It is scientifically designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning through play and storytelling, giving children a head start in school and fostering key early development skills.
Jenny Shaw, academic lead at the childcare provider, said: “Storytelling is crucial for children’s development, helping them to enjoy quality time with loved ones, learn about the world around them and increase vocabulary.
“Stories are key in nurturing children’s language development, and it’s been proven that the number of words a child hears and speaks by the age of three plays a key role in their future literacy, communication skills, and academic success.
“This is why storytelling is at the heart of our new curriculum.
“While re-reading the same stories may seem repetitive to parents, it is hugely beneficial for language development.
“Children love the familiarity of their favourite characters and repetition is essential for learning and helps children learn new words more quickly.
“Sharing a variety of stories together is also really valuable – from rhyming books to non-fiction and traditional stories, each format can help a child’s growth.”
The research also found preschool parents typically read three different books a night, with popular themes being around family, friendship, and farm animals.
But 77 per cent admitted they choose the topic of bedtime with the intention of getting their children to sleep more easily, while 43 per cent let their child pick the title.
Parents feel the ideal book before bed should be 11 pages long and include characters which are animals, children or babies and fairies.
It also emerged two thirds of parents read to children because they know it’s important for their learning and development, while 63 per cent simply enjoy reading at bedtime.
In fact, 46 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, said reading to their child at night is one of their favourite parts of their day.
While other popular times to read to children include during playtime, before naps and even when they’re eating.
Two thirds believe it’s very important to read with them at the end of the day, because it gives them quality time together, while others said it’s vital as it inspires them to read independently and aids their language development and widens vocabulary.
The best sleep routine and environment
Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment...
A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night’s sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene.
Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it.
This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality.
As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in.
Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen.
Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too.
The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave.
If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains.
Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn’t work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out.
In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen.
Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you!
Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night’s sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
More than half reading helps their child unwind before sleep, with half admitting they often struggle to do so.
To help them nod off, 48 per cent of parents swear by dimming the lights, while 44 per cent speak in soft tones and 24 per cent choose rhyming stories.
Jenny Shaw, from Busy Bees, added: “It’s positive to see so many parents recognise the benefits of reading with their children.
“Encouraging a love for stories from a young age not only enhances language and literacy skills but also fosters creativity, emotional intelligence, and a deeper connection between children and their caregivers.
“By making storytelling a regular part of daily routines – including at bedtime as well as other points in the day – parents and educators can help to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity, while also supporting children’s transition to school by developing their listening, comprehension, and communication skills.”
To celebrate the launch of the curriculum, Busy Bees has crowned the winner of its nationwide search to find the nation’s best bedtime storyteller.
Jonathan Vickers, from Surrey, beat off tough competition to win £1,000 and a donation of the top 40 preschool books to his local library, to help ensure as many local families as possible can enjoy these stories together.