Parents read the same bedtime story 416 times a YEAR - as research shows it's key to a child's development

A poll of 1,000 mum and dads with children aged up to four found 79 per cent have re-read the same book at their child’s request.

With the typical week seeing them read their child’s favourite tale from start to finish an average of eight times, with parents putting up with the same book on six consecutive days.

It also emerged they dedicate 48 minutes to reading the most loved book each week - with each individual read lasting six minutes.

More than eight in 10 (82 per cent) are so familiar with their child's favourite stories that they can recite at least one off by heart, with many claiming they can remember as many as eight.

Busy Bees commissioned the research following the launch of Bee Curious, an independently evaluated early years curriculum.

It is scientifically designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning through play and storytelling, giving children a head start in school and fostering key early development skills.

Jenny Shaw, academic lead at the childcare provider, said: “Storytelling is crucial for children’s development, helping them to enjoy quality time with loved ones, learn about the world around them and increase vocabulary.

“Stories are key in nurturing children’s language development, and it’s been proven that the number of words a child hears and speaks by the age of three plays a key role in their future literacy, communication skills, and academic success.

"This is why storytelling is at the heart of our new curriculum.

“While re-reading the same stories may seem repetitive to parents, it is hugely beneficial for language development.

"Children love the familiarity of their favourite characters and repetition is essential for learning and helps children learn new words more quickly.

"Sharing a variety of stories together is also really valuable – from rhyming books to non-fiction and traditional stories, each format can help a child’s growth.”

“Storytelling is crucial for children’s development”

The research also found preschool parents typically read three different books a night, with popular themes being around family (43 per cent), friendship (34 per cent) and farm animals (27 per cent).

But 77 per cent admitted they chose the topic of bedtime with the intention of getting their children to sleep more easily, while 43 per cent let their child pick the title.

Parents feel the ideal book before bed should be 11 pages long and include characters which are animals (52 per cent), children or babies (48 per cent) and fairies (42 per cent).

It also emerged two thirds of parents read to children because they know it’s important for their learning and development, while 63 per cent simply enjoy reading at bedtime.

In fact, 46 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, said reading to their child at night is one of their favourite parts of their day.

While other popular times to read to children include during playtime (58 per cent), before naps (21 per cent) and even when they’re eating (17 per cent).

Two thirds (65 per cent) believe it’s very important to read with them at the end of the day, because it gives them quality time together, while others said it’s vital as it inspires them to read independently (55 per cent) and aids their language development and widens vocabulary (54 per cent).

More than half (52 per cent) feel reading helps their child unwind before sleep, with half admitting they often struggle to do so.

To help them nod off, 48 per cent of parents swear by dimming the lights, while 44 per cent speak in soft tones and 24 per cent choose rhyming stories.

Jenny Shaw, from Busy Bees, added: “It’s positive to see so many parents recognise the benefits of reading with their children.

"Encouraging a love for stories from a young age not only enhances language and literacy skills but also fosters creativity, emotional intelligence, and a deeper connection between children and their caregivers.

“By making storytelling a regular part of daily routines – including at bedtime as well as other points in the day – parents and educators can help to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity, while also supporting children's transition to school by developing their listening, comprehension, and communication skills.”

To celebrate the launch of the curriculum, Busy Bees has crowned the winner of its nationwide search to find the nation’s best bedtime storyteller.

Jonathan Vickers, from Surrey, beat off tough competition to win £1,000 and a donation of the top 40 preschool books to his local library, to help ensure as many local families as possible can enjoy these stories together.