Craft the Perfect Bedtime Story: Tips from a Storytelling Mum
Adam Sandler and his family movies always manage to sneak into your relaxing time. While some are a total miss (Blended, I’m looking at you), others make you pause and reflect. One recent one made me think about something I’ve never really perfected: telling a great bedtime story.
As someone currently moonlighting as a 'human incubator' (yes, I’m pregnant), I’ve started to think more deeply about the little things—like how to keep a child truly engaged at bedtime. Especially after my niece once said,“This is kind of lame.”Kids are brutally honest, aren’t they?
So, I turned to the expert. Ormyexpert—my mum.
Why Made-Up Stories Are Pure Magic
Growing up, my mum had a serious love for storytelling. Every night, she'd read to us—but her real talent was making up her own stories. They weren’t from any book. They came from her imagination. And let me tell you:made-up stories are the bomb diggity.
Kids love them—even more than the fanciest picture books.
But making up a story on the spot? Easier said than done. So I picked Mum’s brain and got her secret formula. Let me share it with you.
Step 1: Do Some Quick Background Work
Ask yourself these 3 quick questions before you begin:
1. What is your child interested in?
Unicorns, trucks, dolphins, dinosaurs—you name it.
2. Can you use your child’s name in the story?
Game changer. Kids LOVE being the hero.
3. What kind of stories areyoufamiliar with?
Don’t choose a theme you know nothing about (hello, caterpillar evolution).
Example:
My kid loves: Dolphins and Princesses
Her name is: Maddison
I know: Basic fairy tales. Let’s work with that!
Step 2: Use a Simple Story Structure
Even if school was a while ago, here’s a refresher on how to structure a story:
Start with your main character and setting
Once upon a time, there was a Princess named Maddison who ruled the Lollipop Kingdom.
Introduce a problem
Princess Maddison loved being royal but had never seen the ocean. Her parents were too busy with royal duties to go on holiday.
Bring in more characters and start the adventure
Maddison's horse Keira overheard her sadness and introduced her to Charlie the toucan, who had a magic potion and knew the way to the sea.
Send them on a journey
Together they travelled through the Candy Forest, across the Rocky Road Way, and swam through the Pink Lemonade River.
Add the climax
They reached the ocean! But drifted too far. Luckily, a dolphin named Flippy saved them and they became fast friends.
Wrap it up nicely
They returned home in time for dinner. Maddison told no one of her grand adventure and fell asleep dreaming of the waves.
Step 3: Make It Fun and Get Them Involved
Kids have wild imaginations. Let them help shape the story! Ask them questions:
“What should the dolphin’s name be?”
“Do you think the river should be made of lemonade or chocolate milk?”
You don’t need props or sound effects (you're trying to get them to sleep, not wake the neighbours). But if you make it interactive, they’ll cherish it way more than just another book.
Final Thoughts
The best bedtime stories aren’t the perfect ones. They’re the ones that come from the heart, with your child’s name and dreams woven in. So go ahead—make a fool of yourself. Create something magical, all in the name of love.
Try it tonight and let me know how it goes in the comments. Or share your best story tips—because truthfully, I still kind of suck.
Sleep tight,
Mikaela xx