Hot Topics     Home and Family    

Bedtime stories, now more than ever



Some helpful hints for telling captivating, bonding stories

Some helpful hints for telling captivating, bonding stories


When our twenty-two-year-old son was tiny – babyhood through about fourth grade – his mother and I shared stories with him every night (and often during the day). She and I traded off, taking full advantage of a household featuring two present parents, something neither she nor I had as children. Among many other books, she read him the entire Harry Potter series; I read him several less well-known series and quite a few standalone tales. I also made up stories, often enlisting his help for the details. One of those stories I actually eventually turned into a book.

Even though I already knew it, it’s nice to know that, according to Paul L. Underwood at the New York Timeswe did good. As our recently college-graduate filmmaker son is home during the pandemic, in the same house in which we introduced the magic and power of storytelling, I feel grateful we established deep, unshakable bonds via this timeless practice. As much in the world seems uncertain, I take sustenance from that knowledge.

READ MORE: Create a bedtime routine for your child

If any young parent ever asks me for advice, I rarely feel as confident suggesting something as I do regarding the sharing of bedtime stories. With those, you can’t go wrong. Apparently, science backs me up.

Underwood’s article offers helpful storytelling suggestions, culled from experts and professional storytellers. Although he stresses their extreme importance, he focuses not on books, but on oral storytelling. According to the article: “Storytelling and reading work best in tandem to help children develop language and story comprehension, just as you want your child eating a balanced meal.”

Regarding storytelling, first and foremost are the three P’s: pitch, pacing, and pausing. Varying the sound of the voice, speeding up, slowing down, and taking time to insert breaks in the action. What becomes clear is how much children will innately fill in details when given an opportunity. Underwood suggests Aesop’s fables, or even a story from your own childhood, because apparently, it’s normal for children to have no concept that their parents were once children.

Here’s to the telling of bedtime stories, no matter what the world is doing outside.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »