If you’re like most parents, then bedtime can often be more of a nightmare than a pleasant dream that you remember fondly when you wake in the morning, right? It often feels more like a hostage negotiation than a relaxing wind-down when you’re trying to get your kids to get into bed, do a little reading and settle down for the night.
But, what if that did not have to be the case? What if you could set up your child’s bedroom in such a way that they would actually want to jump into bed, and dive head first into a good book, each evening, helping them to truly relax, wind down and not start playing you up when you need to relax most but more importantly, so that it would nourish their minds and help them develop a lifelong love of the written world?
Sound great, right? Well, here’s how you can do just that.
Step 1: Make it Cosy (But Not Sleep-Inducing… Yet)
First things first—if you want your child to spend time enjoying books in their room, it needs to feel cosy and inviting. A room that’s comfy enough to want to hang out in, but not so comfortable that they immediately zonk out. Think fairy lights, soft bean bags, and cushions that look suspiciously like oversized marshmallows.
While the bed itself is crucial for sleep (and reading!), consider creating a little reading nook or corner—somewhere special that’s just for books and stories. Perhaps a canopy tent with fluffy rugs or a snug corner with a mini bookshelf and comfy floor cushions. Cosiness is your ally; if they love spending time there, half the reading battle is already won.
Step 2: Books, Books Everywhere!
Want your child to become a reader? Make books unavoidable. Fill their shelves with plenty of choices, from picture books and early readers to joke books and comics. Don’t just tuck them neatly away—display books prominently and change them regularly so your child feels tempted to grab one and explore.
Remember, books aren’t precious ornaments; they’re meant to be touched, enjoyed, and occasionally (tragically!) torn. While teaching your child to care for books is important, don’t be too precious about it. A few crinkled pages and scribbles mean a book is well-loved, not neglected.
Step 3: Light It Up
Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to reading. A harsh overhead light can make reading feel more like homework than pleasure. Invest in soft bedside lamps or reading lights specifically designed for children. You could even get creative and choose quirky lamps shaped like their favourite animals or book characters.
Oh, and a torch under the duvet is a classic. Yes, it might seem counterintuitive, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of secretly reading under the covers past bedtime. (Let them think you don’t know—they’ll love it!)
Step 4: Personalise the Space with Their Interests
Kids connect best with stories when they feel personally invested. Decorate the room in ways that reflect their interests. Got a little dinosaur enthusiast? Add posters of prehistoric pals. A budding astronaut? Stars and planets on the ceiling!
The goal is simple—make the bedroom a place where their interests meet their imagination. Books that reflect these interests will seem even more appealing, making reading feel like a natural extension of playtime rather than a chore.
Step 5: Create a Reading Routine (No Negotiations!)
Consistency is key. Creating a daily reading ritual helps your child associate their bedroom with reading time. Whether it’s storytime after brushing their teeth or 15 minutes of quiet reading before lights out, routine provides structure. And let’s face it, kids thrive on routine almost as much as they thrive on chaos.
If you stick with it, soon enough, your child will naturally grab a book and curl up without prompting—at least, that’s the dream.
Step 6: Make Reading Interactive and Fun (Yes, Really)
If reading feels like punishment or an obligation, kids resist. But when reading is interactive and enjoyable, suddenly books become irresistible.
Here’s a sneaky parenting hack: turn books into mini-performances. Use silly voices, dramatic pauses, and exaggerated reactions. Invite your child to predict what happens next, or ask them questions that spark conversations. Interactive reading creates memorable experiences, helping your child fall in love with stories—and making bedtime more joyful for everyone.
Step 7: Add Learning Tools (Secretly Educational)
As your child grows, their reading skills become more complex. It’s a good idea to have some fun educational tools around. Alphabet posters, phonics cards, and word puzzles all contribute to creating a literacy-rich environment.
Want to level up a bit? Introduce simple tools that help your child decode words more easily. For example, exploring word segmentation for kids – breaking words down into manageable pieces or syllables—helps children confidently approach new or challenging words. This simple trick turns daunting words like “elephant” into “el-e-phant,” boosting their confidence and enjoyment of reading.
Step 8: Celebrate Books and Authors (Reading is Cool, Right?)
Kids love to feel like they’re part of something special. Celebrate books and reading in their room. Posters from favourite books, quotes from beloved authors, or even fun book-themed artwork can inspire curiosity and excitement.
If possible, attend local book festivals, author signings, or storytime events. Bringing home signed books or bookmarks from authors can make reading feel like being part of an exclusive club—one they’re thrilled to join.
Step 9: Technology Isn’t the Enemy (Seriously)
While it’s good to limit screen time before bed, technology doesn’t have to be the enemy. Audiobooks and child-friendly podcasts can bring stories alive, stimulate the imagination, and encourage your child to explore books independently.
A small speaker for audiobooks or bedtime stories can add variety and excitement to their nightly routine. And honestly, who wouldn’t want Stephen Fry or David Tennant telling bedtime stories now and then?
Step 10: Praise Effort, Not Perfection (Relax!)
Reading isn’t a race or a competition. Praise your child for their effort, progress, and enjoyment, not just how many words they recognise or how quickly they read. Creating a stress-free, supportive atmosphere is crucial. Reading success doesn’t mean speed or perfect comprehension—it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and joy.
Celebrate small wins—finishing their first chapter book, reading aloud confidently, or simply choosing a book over a screen. These milestones matter, and positive reinforcement goes a long way.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Panic if Reading Isn’t Immediate (Patience, Parents!)
Every child learns differently and at their own pace. Some kids become bookworms overnight, while others take longer to warm up. Your job? Stay calm, stay supportive, and keep offering books without pressure.
Reading will happen eventually. Promise.
Magic Happens When You Least Expect It!
Setting up your child’s bedroom for reading success isn’t about expensive décor or elaborate designs, although feel free to add a few flourishes if you want to (it can never hurt, right?) It’s more about creating a warm, inviting space where books feel special and stories can truly come alive for your little ones. With patience, creativity, and maybe a bit of stealth parenting, your child’s bedroom can become the perfect place for their imagination to flourish.
And before you know it, the nightly hostage negotiations will turn into peaceful storytimes, cosy bedtime chats, and your child pleading for you to read them “just one more chapter” before they have to turn the lights out and drift off to sleep. (Admit it, that’s the parenting goal you’ve secretly dreamed of.)
So, what are you waiting for? Time to create the bedroom of your child’s (and your) dreams—because, let’s face it, when your child loves reading, everyone wins.
