#Why Bedtime Stories Time Important to Children

I was reading an article in a newspaper yesterday which made a great deal of sense and had me doing my "Aha" thing.  The story was on how important it is to read bedtime stories with your child - but it's even bigger than that.  When you have that end of the day ritual of quiet time to read that favorite story, it also gives a child the confidence and the opportunity to also open up to you as a parent!

It's a wonderful time to cuddle up together and explore some of the best stories around.  Even though in this day and age children's books are one of the biggest genres out there, and yes there are some wonderful and exciting titles in all age groups, please don't forget to read your child the classic books of days gone by.

Bring out some of your old books (if you have kept them), Heidi, Black Beauty, Oliver Twist (kids version) and my absolute favorite books of all time "Enid Blyton's - Secret Seven and Five series"....these wonderful and exciting books are the very reason that today I love to read.

I totally agreed with the author of the article I was reading yesterday when she said "I am convinced that reading aloud increases my sons' vocabulary".   Ever since my daughter was a tiny little girl, sitting on her "potty" we always surrounded her with books to read while this "business was taken care of" and throughout her childhood she always had a book in hand, and especially the bedtime tradition with both myself and her Dad was a constant.  I can remember a good friend saying to me once, when she was around 3 years old, "What does this kid read...the Websters Dictionary"?  He couldn't believe just how well she spoke and the words she used and the fact she understood them, so yes I completely agree that reading aloud really does help a child with their vocabulary.

What I always found while reading with my daughter and I still do today is how sad I am when a really good story is finished - which brings me to my next point, isn't this exactly what every author wants the reader to feel about their book??  There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you have left your reader wanting more.

Two of the biggest pieces of advice we always give at Ink Tree Ltd.,are: 

• Know your audience and why you are writing for them
• Do your homework and research at the bookstores - know your competition and what is out there

At the end of the day you want "your passion" to become a passion for your reader and one more piece of advice... never ever forget those wonderful books from our childhood and the classics - take a good long look at these stories and ask yourself the question "Why were they so successful", this could be a good recipe for success for yourself.

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