Encouraging children to help develop the plot is a subtle way of gaining an insight into their mental states. 'If they ask a character to do something overtly violent, for example, it gives you the opportunity of finding out if they are troubled about something or harbouring deep anger,' said Ronny M Cole.

Reading from a book is great but it's simple. Parents can achieve more than just giving their children second-hand stories. We can use bedtime stories to guide our children into being happier and more productive. Creating great bedtime stories turns bedtime into a true parent-child activity.'

A well told, individually tailored bedtime story can help children acknowledge the emotions triggered by their day while bringing into focus the happiest thoughts they have had, he said. 'Making up bedtime stories will create our own legacies for our children.'

Some of the most popular children's books began life as tales told by parents to their children. Watership Down, Richard Adams's first and most successful novel, was based on a collection of tales that he told to his young children during trips to the countryside. The book, which was turned down by 13 publishers, is Penguin Books' best-selling novel of all time and has been turned into an animated film and a television series.

Cole, who estimates that he has told his own children more than 3,000 stories, began making up tales when his children demanded a bedtime story on an evening when there were no books nearby. Making up stories can, admitted Cole, be intimidating. 'It's all right to have butterflies in your stomach the first time you try this,' he said. 'Telling your own story is more involved, and often puts you on the spot. But whether it starts off as a smashing success or leaves you with a smashed ego, your children will grow to love the stories you create together.'