One more story: making reading part of your evening

The book is already waiting. The one with the bent corner, where your child knows the next line before you do. There are twenty others on the shelf, but tonight it has to be this one again.

That can make for a lovely evening. A familiar book settles the choice for you. Your child can finish a favourite passage, find something in a picture or join in with the sentence they have been waiting for. You do not need a polished storytelling voice.

A place where you can settle

Move the lamp so you can see the pages clearly. Put the book within reach and find a position that feels comfortable for both of you. You might sit beside the bed or stay on the sofa for a while. What matters is being able to enjoy the story without constantly having to rearrange yourselves.

If your child sleeps with a duvet, they can get tucked in while looking at the pictures. A design on the cover can join the story: where does the little tractor go after the last field? What does the rabbit do when the moon comes up?

When three pages are enough for today

Agree on what you will read before you start: one short story or a chapter. After a long day, a few pages can be enough. A bookmark keeps your place for tomorrow and gives you something to return to together.

If a book does not suit the mood at all, tell each other three things about the day. Something funny, something difficult and something coming up tomorrow. Your child can simply listen if they prefer.

Let the story end gently

Turn the last page, put the book away and share one last sentence. Perhaps you already have your own goodnight phrase. Perhaps you will discover it as you go. It need not be poetic: “See you tomorrow, little tractor” can be just right.

Which book will it be tonight? Probably the one with the bent corner.