Parenting Perspective 

Storytelling before bed can be a beautiful way to calm children, spark imagination, and connect hearts. But when siblings are involved, it is easy for one voice to dominate while others feel left out. Rotating the role of storyteller gives each child a chance to lead, helping them practise confidence and empathy while also strengthening family bonds. The secret is to keep the system simple, predictable, and fun, so that it avoids rivalry and becomes a cherished routine. 

Create a Clear Rotation 

Set one night of the week for storytelling, and assign the role in order: “This week it is Aisha’s turn, next week Ahmed’s, then Mariam’s.” Having a fixed pattern prevents arguments about whose turn it is. 

Offer Flexible Formats 

Allow freedom in style. One child might invent a story, another might retell a favourite tale, and another might choose an Islamic story of a Prophet or Sahabi. This gives them ownership while respecting their personality. 

Support Without Pressure 

If a child feels shy, they can share a short memory, a riddle, or even read a page aloud. The aim is voice, not performance. 

Add Gentle Praise and Closure 

After the story, thank the child for sharing and invite siblings to say what they liked most. This keeps the focus on appreciation rather than critique. 

By rotating storytelling, you give each child a platform to express themselves, creating fairness and deepening family connection at the end of the day. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, storytelling has always been a way of teaching values. The noble Quran itself is filled with stories of the Prophets, told not to entertain but to guide and inspire. When parents encourage storytelling in the home, they mirror this method of nurturing hearts and minds. 

Guidance from the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Yusuf (12), Verses 111: 

‘Without any doubt, there is in their narratives (of the perished nations) a lesson for the people endowed with understanding; this (Quran) is not a narration which is invented (by any man), however it is confirmation of (the previous Revelations) which have been sent before the (Quran); and an explanation of everything (that is in existence) and comprehensive guidance and infinite mercy for those nations that are believers.’ 

This reminds us that stories are powerful tools for shaping wisdom and guiding lives. 

Teaching from the Hadith 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6125, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Make things easy and do not make things difficult. Cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings and do not repulse them.’ 

This teaches us that sharing stories and gentle words is a way to bring encouragement and joy, not heaviness. 

By giving each child their turn at storytelling, you create fairness and warmth, while showing them that every voice matters. More importantly, you root bedtime in the prophetic tradition of stories as guidance: a legacy that nurtures both their imagination and their faith.