At what age should I no longer read my children bedtime stories?

Question

As my children get older and bedtime gets later and later, I've begun to wonder when it is no longer necessary to read to them before bed. My oldest child is eight years old. What do you think?

Answer 1

My kids are almost 10 and an 8 year old and we still read at bedtime.  In fact, we just started the 1st book in the Hardy Boys Series.  Last summer we read the 1st book in the Nancy Drew Series.  During the school year, if we are pressed for time we read short books, or they read them, but I also like to read to them.  I will continue to read to them for several more years I'm sure.

Answer 2

My daughter is 7 and this summer I've hardly read to her - she asks that I don't.  I'd like to think it's a summer thing and we let her stay up later with dad and watch tv before bed, or play a little longer in her room, etc.  If we do read, she usually reads a book to me (and usually one that she's memorized!).  So, I'll be curious what happens when school starts.  In first grade the teacher was big on reading books, filling in a reading log every week, because that's when they first start really learning to read.  So, I wonder too what will happen in 2nd grade.

Answer 3

When they no longer want you to read them.  Once they're able to read, it's good to let them take their turn reading.  It saves your voice and helps their learning.

Answer 4

Now that my daughter can read, I let HER read stories to ME.  Works like a charm

Answer 5

As long as they ask for it do it.

You can change the nature of the bed time story as they get older, perhaps taking some time at the end of the day before bed and have them read to you for a half hour.

Answer 6

I guess you can ask them at some point if they still enjoy it. If not, they can read by themselves. But I say as long as possible. It helps them enjoy reading for schoolwork if it becomes a special, enjoyable thing to do first. Kudos on reading to your kids!!  

Answer 7

Do it for as long as you can. You'll be sad when they ask you to stop.

Answer 8

i loved my mum reading me stories

i think till about 12, just keep up woth there age and read subitable stories.

my mum reads my sis the harry potter books at bed time and she's 13.

but she dont tell no1.

hehe

Answer 9

I'd think it's be up to them. Offer them a choice of 'do you want me to read to you?' or 'would you like to read by yourself until...?' This way they get a choice of what happens and they can back out without hurting your feelings if they think that they are too old for the stories anymore.  

Answer 10

How about you have them read to YOU?  That would be a change and they are old enough now.  You could find an appropriate book and have them read you a chapter a night.

Answer 11

When they stop asking.

Answer 12

Ask them I (being 14) still enjoy having a story with my mom once in a while its a great time to connect to.

Answer 13

You stop when they want you to.  I am so thankful that my mother read bedtime stories to me, religiously.  It instilled an absolute love for reading in me.

I think I was eight when I asked to read by myself at bedtime.  But it doesn't matter if yours hasn't.  

Answer 14

let them decide.  let them read to you occasionally.  eight years of age is not too old to be read to at bedtime.  being read to is good quality time and helps them learn to listen and pay attention.