One benefit is that it helps children relax. After a busy day, a bedtime story calms them down and makes it easier for them to fall asleep. It also enhances the bond between parents and children. As the parents read, there's a special closeness that forms. Moreover, it can improve children's language skills. They are exposed to new words and different sentence structures.
One way is to incorporate some actions. If the story has a character running, the parent can move their hands as if running. Also, parents can ask the child questions during the story. For instance, 'What do you think the character will do next?' This makes the child more engaged. Another idea is to choose books with beautiful illustrations and point them out as they read.
Well, it really depends on the child's development and the parents' schedule. Some parents might stop when the child starts to read independently, usually around 7 or 8. But for some families, it could be as late as 12 if the child still enjoys the ritual and the parents have the time.
One example could be a story about a talking toaster that goes on adventures in the middle of the night. Another might be a story where the moon is made of cheese and the stars are little mice trying to eat it all. And there could also be a story about a family of trees that can walk and talk and have their own little tree society.
Parents should make the stories relevant to the kids' own lives. If the child is afraid of the dark, they can adapt a story to show how the characters overcome their fears in the dark. They can also stretch out the exciting parts of the story, like when the prince is about to wake up Sleeping Beauty. Describe the moment in detail, the look on his face, the way he approaches her. This builds up the suspense and makes the story more engaging for kids at bedtime.