Why Kids Always Want the Same Bedtime Story (and What It Really Means)
- Mark Morgan
- Sep 13, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever read the same bedtime story for the 47th night in a row, you know the struggle is real. 😅 Your child has a whole shelf of books, yet somehow that one book is the only one that counts. You try to sneak in something new, but nope—back to the old favorite.
But here’s the good news: your child’s obsession isn’t just stubbornness. It’s actually building their brain and strengthening your bond together. Let’s dig in.
The Funny Reality of Bedtime Reruns
My grandson once made me read The Ugly Duckling every single night for two weeks straight. By day five, I could recite it with my eyes closed. By day ten, I was adding sound effects just to keep myself entertained. By day fourteen, I started negotiating like a lawyer:
“How about this—Ugly Duckling tonight, and something NEW tomorrow?”
He didn’t go for it. Kids know what they want.
Sound familiar?
The Science Behind It
Believe it or not, kids aren’t just being picky—they’re practicing important life skills. Repetition helps children:
Learn new words and sentence patterns.
Spot themes and predict what comes next.
Feel safe and secure in a familiar routine.
According to child development experts, every time kids ask for the same story, they’re not just listening—they’re mastering it. This builds memory, language skills, and confidence.
So the next time you’re on round 53 of Goodnight Moon, take comfort—you’re raising a strong little reader.
How Parents Can Make It Easier
This is one reason I love writing children’s books myself. My book Rusty the Can is designed with rhythm and rhyme so kids want to hear it again and again—but it also sneaks in a lesson about recycling. Parents tell me their kids love the fun, while they love the message.
If you’re looking for a fresh read to add to your bedtime rotation, you can check it out here
A New Favorite to Add to the Shelf
Yes, your child’s obsession with the same bedtime story might test your patience—but it’s actually a beautiful thing. One day, they’ll move on, and you’ll miss the way their little eyes lit up when you said the first line of that story.
💬 What about you? What book does your child or grandchild ask for over and over again? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear which stories rule bedtime in your house!
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