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they couldn’t rememberanything when I asked themearlier! It’s nice to feel we’resharing something all together.Reading alltogetherJUNE, MOTHER OF FINN (FIVE),BRODIE (THREE) AND COLL (ONE)I like our bedtime-story routine– the children each choose onebook (although sometimes theytry to sneak in two!), and wecuddle up on the couch, one oneach side and the little one onmy knees. As I read the story, IParents’perspectives onsharing bookswith more thanone childtend to point out some detailson the picture or relate them tosomething we did recently, sothat Coll feels included eventhough he might not followeverything. And sometimes theolder two end up talking aboutstuff they did at school ornursery even though they saidROSS, FATHER OF SAM (EIGHT)JAMIE (SEVEN) ROWAN (FOUR)AND OLLIE (TWO)Having four children, I find it’sbeneficial for the older ones toread to their younger brothersand sisters. My seven and eightyear-oldlove the status this givesthem in the family, of beingconsidered capable andresponsible. And it helps outMum! It’s very good for theirconfidence and theirdevelopment. I’ve noticed itencourages more expression intheir reading voices. My four andtwo-year-old just love cosying upeither with their mum or theirbig brothers, as at that age theyjust love stories! I think it helpsstrengthen the family bond. ●Top tips for storytelling• Sit somewhere comfortable. Snuggle upwith your child and make sure you arewarm and cosy• Throw yourself into it. Relax, enjoyyourself and have fun• Read slowly. Put lots of expression intoyour voice and use gestures, funny facesand sound effects such as animal noisesor a train tooting• Get your child involved. Look at thepictures together, point to objects andcharacters and encourage them to guesswhat they are• Talk to your child about the book afteryou’ve finished reading it. They mightenjoy using characters or ideas from thestory in their own playing, drawing orconversation.Bookbug 23