Why the Bedtime Story Still Matters

We all hear that reading is good for children. But in the reality of busy days, bedtime stories can easily start to feel like just another thing on the list. Since starting this journey with The Unlikely Friends, it has made me look at story time a bit differently. Those final 10–15 minutes of the day are not just about finishing a book, they are about building something much bigger. Words, wonder and wellbeing.

There is also growing evidence here in the UK that reading habits are changing, and not always for the better. Which makes those small daily moments feel even more important.

Closing the Million Word Gap

You may have heard of the “word gap”, a term often used in schools. Research suggests that by the time they start Reception, children who are read to regularly can hear around 1.4 million more words than those who are not. The National Literacy Trust also points to a gap between children who are read to often and those who aren’t. Put simply, those early stories can make a real difference once they start school.

It is not about doing it perfectly. But those small, consistent moments of reading really do add up.

Letting Their Imagination Do the Work

Books ask something different from children than screens do. When a child listens to a story, they are building it in their own mind. The characters, the setting, the feeling of it all. That process helps develop imagination, attention and creative thinking. Skills that stay with them far beyond story time.

Looking Beyond the Usual Stories

It is very easy to reach for the same familiar titles. They are popular for a reason. But there is also a whole world of independent authors and lesser-known stories that offer something different. In 2025, reading for pleasure among children reached its lowest level in two decades, with just 18.7% reading daily in their free time. Exploring new and unexpected stories can help keep that sense of curiosity alive, for both children and us as parents.

Why Repetition Really Matters

Reading the same book again and again can feel alot, but that repetition is actually doing something important. Hearing the same rhythms, words and patterns helps children begin to recognise sounds and structure. It supports early reading development and builds confidence over time. It might not feel exciting to us, but it is powerful for them.

Connection Comes First

One of the biggest shifts in recent years is how often families are reading together. Fewer than half of UK parents, around 45.9%, now read with their child every day and yet, beyond all the learning benefits, this might be the most important part.

A shared story creates closeness.
It slows things down.
It gives children a sense of calm and security at the end of the day.

And from that place, learning naturally follows.

Bedtime stories are not about getting to the last page. They are about creating a small, consistent moment that children come to recognise and rely on.Whether it is a well-loved favourite or something new you have discovered together, those few minutes matter more than we often realise.

Have you found any hidden gems recently? I would genuinely love to hear what you are reading at the moment.

References: National Literacy Trust), (Oxford University Press), (BookTrust),(National Lieracy Trust), (National Literacy Trust), (Book Trust)