Did you know that bedtime stories are most often read by mothers? In fact, according to a recent survey from YouGov, 65% of mothers were responsible for reading to their children. Often fathers are too busy or tired to make time for storytelling

Reading a bedtime story to your child is a fantastic way to relax at the end of a stressful day. By snuggling up and listening to your voice, your child will feel safe and protected. Bedtime stories are very child-centered and allows for warm and positive interaction between parents and children. Listening to stories will stimulate your child’s imagination and even enhance their vocabulary. As well as helping them to relax and let go, you are developing your child’s interest in reading, learning and books. Children who are regularly read to, often perform better in school. You may like to read a wonderful relaxation story to your child from Aladdin's Magic Carpet or The Wishing Star.

Here are some more of Relax Kids’ useful Bedtime Tips for Dads:

Talk
Children love to be heard and listened to. Talking to your child about their day is comforting for both parent and child. This really creates an atmosphere of security and trust. Encouraging your child to recount their day and give thanks to the great things that happened will develop their self-esteem and appreciation. Talking about their troubles and things that have upset them will help bring comfort and reassurance and will help them work through and understand their emotions. The best way to start is to ask open questions such as, “What was the best thing that happened today?” or “What was the worst thing that happened today?”

Cuddle
There is nothing better than a bedtime cuddle. Many studies have shown that warmth in a parent-child relationship is strongly related to a child’s self-esteem. The more a child feels parental warmth and affection and communication, the fewer psychological and behavioural problems they will have. Touch is a powerful way of demonstrating love and you may even want to try incorporating a daily massage into your bedtime routine. Try stroking your child’s forehead gently or massaging their palms lightly with your thumb. Both exercises are simple and a great way to get children relaxed and ready to sleep.

Praise
Children thrive on praise, remarks, comments and words. Praise is simply a genuine, positive comment, said with a warm look and tone. Your affection, gestures, looks and words will allow your child to develop a positive view of themselves as being loved and loveable, as well as valued. Affirming your child's qualities is important. You may like to play with the Relax Kids CD Star Cards or Mood Cards, or try the Star Poster or Star Stickers.

A steady supply of praise will also not only improve bad behaviour, but also help them cope with the various new challenges they will encounter. Praising your child before they go to sleep, also acts as positive reinforcement. Think about what makes your child special and make positive comments about their character, behaviour and the things they are good at.

Relax
When your child sees you relaxed and content, they will more likely be able to relax and go to sleep easily without anxieties. Try this simple relaxation exercise together:

‘Sleepy Starfish’. Lie down next to your child with your arms and legs slightly apart and imagine that you are both sleepy starfish resting at the bottom of the ocean. Breathe in and breathe out, relaxing your arms. Breathe in and breathe out, relaxing your legs. Breathe in and as you breathe out relaxing your heads. See how still you both can be at the bottom of the ocean, resting like a sleepy starfish.