When I was a kid I remember my Dad would occasionally deliver the bedtime story. He never read from a book because my sister and I demanded another episode from the life of the "Jellybottom" family. All I can remember about these stories is that there were three bears and they had very fat bottoms... and they wobbled along the road causing havoc.
No-one else had these stories told to them but what I fell in love with was the storytelling; the way each character had a different 'voice' and the fact that the stories were personalised (made up on the spot, more likely). Once the story was finished, we were tucked into bed, a story tape or record (yes, I'm really old) was put on and we were left to drift off to sleep to the dulcet tones of Wendy Craig narrating Beatrix Potter stories or Danny Kaye singing Inchworm.
And that routine has stayed with me for the rest of my life. I wind down by reading a book and then plug myself into my mp3 player and listen to a podcast or audio book before I actually settle down to sleep. I have passed it onto my children too. But is it better than or just as bad as letting them watch a DVD/video or play on their Nintendo DS before they nod off? When does the brain actually switch off?
What about you?
What was your bedtime routine as a child and have you replicated that with your child(ren)?
Let us know in the comments section.
Here at When I Was a Kid, we have a fantastic personalised story of a well known fairy tale. This bedtime story tells the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk but with your child's name in place of Jack.
This product is made on high quality A5 card and costs just £2.00!!! Click on the image to the right to order your personalised card (we just need the name of the child and whether they are a boy or a girl). We've also got free delivery on this product so £2.00 is the total amount you pay! What a bargain! It would also make a great birthday present for a friend at nursery or school too.
And to my recommendations for this week. Why don't you have a look at our wooden toys section? There are some great 'bargain' toys. I love the traditional Wooden ZigZag racer (left, £7.50) and the very popular High Tea Shape Matching set (right, £24.95). Click on either of images to place an order.
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Nickie normally blogs at Typecast. With one finger on the pulse and the other on the keyboard, she is not afraid to say it as she sees it. She is a true procrastinator, drinks wine, is occasionally published and is a Nana in her spare time.
I WISH I could just make up stories for my children but I just hit a brick wall whenever I try. One of my favourite films is Bedtime Stories because it seems so magical.
ReplyDeleteWhen I Was A Kid my mum would always read me a story, tuck me up in bed with a cuddly toy and then we would always say EVERY NIGHT right up until I left home at 21years old "God bless, sweet dreams, see you in the morning, good night, I love you!" How's that for a mouthful!
And then (whilst I was a child) I would shout Mummy for hours until she gave in and got me up again or I would be so tired from shouting I would fall asleep ;)
With my children, Hubby and I take it in turns at putting them to bed. Its bathtime, story, milk and a cuddle then we play classical or lullaby music to them to go to sleep.
I think you need to write us a story about the Jellybottoms they sound great!
My dad used to make up plastic shark stories for my sister and I. They would feature us and our cousins normally going to the beach and often one of us getting eaten by said plastic shark. It's a wonder we actually went to sleep after that. Fuel for nightmares those sorts of stories.
ReplyDeleteWe always used to have a tea but then later would have something to eat with Dad when he came in from work and then both parents would take us upstairs for bath, bed and hot chocolate and a book. Even now a cup of hot chocolate instantly calms me and as for books - I still read every night and do with my kids.
ReplyDeleteI used to love my dad's bedtime stories - but then with 6 kids he had plenty of practise making them up!
ReplyDeleteIt's usually me that does the bedtime story here - I'm sure Daddy misses a few pages when it's his turn!
I used to have a story from my Mum, ever since I'd read at bedtime. It helps me wind down. I read to my boys now, toddler loves picking out his books!
ReplyDeleteLittle One love stories at bedtime. I do like the personalised stories because it brings it to life that little bit more. I've just got my one from you *thanks!* so that will be tonights story! Bargain at £2 IMO!
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