While flowers, brunches, gifts, and homemade macaroni art are all beloved ways to honor our moms, it’s the things we do year-round—in other words, our traditions—that mothers and their children tend to treasure most.
With that in mind, Wendy Reed has recently captured one of her family’s beloved rituals in a book that can be kept, treasured, and revisited again and again—on Mother’s Day and beyond. She says other families can easily incorporate this tradition into their own routines, too—and the benefits are numerous.
Wendy joined KPRC 2 News Today at 10 to share more about her book and the story behind it.
You can watch her interview above.
“As is the case in many families, my mother, Loanda, told my big brother, Steve, and me bedtime stories each evening,” says Reed, author and illustrator of the new children’s book The Bedtime Story. “She must have told dozens of tales over the years, but there was one particular bedtime story that Steve and I insisted on hearing every night.”
In this story, a gently rhyming poem describes how various animals prepare to sleep as evening falls. The poem then asks, “But wait! Is there someone we have missed?” The answer, of course, is, “It’s you!”
“Steve and I always thought it was so special that we were a part of this bedtime story,” Reed recalls. “But as I grew up and had children of my own, that personalized poem gradually faded from my memory. Of course, I read and recited bedtime tales to my sons every night—but my mom’s special story was not one of them.”
That all changed when Reed’s grandchildren were born. Great-grandmother Loanda asked, “Are you telling ‘THE’ bedtime story to the babies?” To Reed’s surprise, she was still able to recite the story word for word. She began telling it to her grandchildren each time they had a sleepover with Mimi and Papa. For Christmas 2023, Reed created an illustrated book so that all four grandchildren would be able to remember this special family tradition—and hopefully pass The Bedtime Story on to the next generation.
“I know mothers and grandmothers are busy, and we all deserve to sit back and relax on Mother’s Day,” she says. “But as we head into summer—a time of year that might include more sleepovers for us grandparents in particular—consider that by taking a few minutes to tell a beloved story or read a favorite book, you could be creating the kids’ most cherished memories of their time with you.”
To help other families record their own beloved stories so they won’t fade with time, Reed has included a special section in her own book with space for a title, text, and illustrations. If your family doesn’t already have a unique story, Reed encourages readers to create their own. Even better, write your story alongside your children or grandchildren, and allow them to take the lead.
“Let your kids or grandkids be the main characters, or retell a favorite family memory,” she suggests. “And don’t worry about making it perfect. The idea here is to spend time with your family and make a lasting keepsake.”
Here, Reed shares five benefits of incorporating a story into your family’s bedtime routine:
- “Familiar” is comforting… “Parents make themselves crazy constantly inventing new experiences for their kids,” says Reed. “But I’m noticing that, just like Steve and me, my grandchildren want to hear the same stories over and over again. Knowing what’s going to happen seems to give them permission to relax. Maybe bedtime isn’t the best time to be on the edge of our seats!”
- …And rituals are important. “Again, children like knowing what to expect—and bedtime is no exception,” says Reed. “Bedtime rituals don’t have to be complex: Telling a story, tucking kids in, and saying goodnight might not be complicated, but it brings structure to bedtime and helps children transition from a busy day to a restful night’s sleep.”
- Telling the same story develops kids’ memories and boosts their confidence. “Even young kids can learn to recite a story or poem—often before they’re able to read,” Reed notes. “Not only does this help strengthen their memory and ability to focus, it gives them a great sense of achievement. I remember how proud my grandchildren were when they were able to recite our special story back to me.”
- Storytelling facilitates intergenerational connection. “So often, we adults lament about ‘kids these days,’ and how we don’t understand the things they choose to do,” Reed observes. “But the truth is, children actually enjoy many of the same things we did when we were kids—they just need an opportunity to engage in those activities. I can’t tell you how heartwarming it has been to see my grandkids enjoying the same stories I did when I was their age.”
- It allows you to spend quality time together with no major agenda—and no technology. “Tech has its place, but especially at bedtime, it can cause kids to get excited and go off on digital tangents,” Reed says. “As you wind down for the evening, turn off the screens and be present. Reading a ‘real’ book or reciting a favorite story allows kids to connect with you, distraction-free—and even snuggle if they want.”
“I’ve always thought there is something almost sacred about bedtime,” Reed concludes. “For many families, it’s the only part of the day when everyone can be together with no other responsibilities, obligations, or distractions. Hold that time in high regard, and let the power of the bedtime story bring you together. You won’t regret the memories you make.”