Reading with your toddler – our tips to make it fun for you both

Sharing stories with your toddler can build a love of reading, start a conversation or simply be a good way to relax together. But sometimes your toddler might be eager to turn pages, so you find yourself trying to read as much of the story as you can before the next page turn, or they might listen briefly then notice a squirrel outside and you’ve lost them! We have a few tips that could keep story time relaxing for you both.  

Let your toddler choose the story

Your toddler will probably be more interested in a book they have chosen themselves, so let them pick. It could be a choice from two stories at first, then increase the number of books they have to select from.  

Find somewhere that is comfortable for you both 

Literary editor and author Emilie Buchwald said, 'Children are made readers in the laps of their parents.' And, as we know, sometimes at the feet of their parents or while twirling around their parents as they read! 

Your toddler might want to snuggle in for a story, or they might prefer standing close to you while you read – if their favourite story involves some jumping or other movements they might like to be stood up ready!  

Listening can look different for everyone and your toddler might find they can listen better if they have room to wriggle.  

Follow your toddler’s lead 

Sometimes your toddler might want to relax and enjoy listening to the story you tell them, other times they might want to chat about the pictures or turn the pages. Don’t feel this is the wrong way to share a book, sometimes talking about the pictures is just as exciting as hearing the story.  

As you read to them notice what seems to interest them and think about if pausing to chat about what’s just happened in the story will keep them interested or if they would rather keep the flow of the story going.  

Don’t make story time a question-and-answer session 

Asking some questions as you read to your toddler can help them to think about what has happened in the story or could start a chat. The joy of sharing a book comes not only from the story but also from time together, so make sure this time doesn’t feel like a test of your toddler’s knowledge.  

Be prepared to read favourite stories over and over again 

Repetition is great for your toddler. It helps them feel secure and can help them remember words and phrases from their favourite tales – anyone who’s tried to skip a page or two of their toddler’s bedtime story after a long day has probably discovered: toddlers know what’s coming next!