We haven't stopped yet. Kids are both really good readers - 9 and 7. They read to themselves nightly and probably 6 days/week I read something to them as well (typically about 20 min. or so).

My 7-year old sometimes reads to himself at night, and sometimes we read together. Depends on what he wants. He reads chapter books on his own (he prefers it that way), while we read science books or things like his almanac together. Tonight we read the Nat. Geo Kids mag. that just came.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD is 8 and has been reading at night herself for about a year. I read to her occasionally. But I think it's important she reads to herself now.

Can you explain why? Do you mean to help her become a more independent reader?
How about if your kid reads to herself in addition to you both reading together?

We just don't get enough time ... dinner, music practice, homework, bath, reading, bed. So usually DD reads to herself. Maybe once a month I read a more 'advanced' book to her. I say it's important because I want her to love reading for her own enjoyment and when time is limited, that wins out. I only say that because she is a very good reader. If she didn't like to read or was struggling, it would be a different story (I'd read to her more often).

I never read much to my son when he was little, certainly much less than the daily recommended dose. To be honest DH and I hardly EVER read to our kids - it's not our thing. We do have lengthy conversations at the dinner table, though.

DS is 8 and has enjoyed a few Narnia books and Roald Dahls, The Hobbit, the first 5 Harry Potters, some Isaac Asimov short stories and now he's reading Jurassic Park.
His love of reading probably stems from the fact that he sees me reading all the time, for pleasure and for my job. Meanwhile the housework goes to the dogs.

3 year old DD "reads" as well (flipping the pages and reading herself a story based on the pictures). I suppose it will be the same thing.

Just do what makes you happy instead of what the current parenting philosophy prescribes, OP!

I read somewhere you should try to do it up through age 13 if they let you. Of course, they have to practice reading I their own, too. It's not a substitute, but a supplement.

My 8 yo son reads mostly on his own, but there are a couple of series that he likes to read with me. We alternate pages. He does not enjoy reading to himself, but it is required for school. I am glad that he at least likes to be read to, and I hope that it will eventually lead to a love of reading on par with my own.

Anonymous wrote:Also, when you read to them, it exposes them to literature that they may not be able to access reading on their own. It is great for kids to hear stories that are "above their reading level" to build their comprehension. Yes, it is important for your child to read on their own. But, a mix of both is ideal.

Signed,
Third grade teacher

That's a really good point. Plus, it might give you a chance to discuss topics that might not come up otherwise.

Anonymous wrote:I don't worry about how much longer I have. I just enjoy the quality time.

OP here - I enjoy it too!
Just something I was wondering.

Anonymous wrote:My DD is 8 and has been reading at night herself for about a year. I read to her occasionally. But I think it's important she reads to herself now.

Can you explain why? Do you mean to help her become a more independent reader?
How about if your kid reads to herself in addition to you both reading together?

Keep reading to your kids until they don't want you to anymore! It is a great way to spend time and bond with your child. Also, when you read to them, it exposes them to literature that they may not be able to access reading on their own. It is great for kids to hear stories that are "above their reading level" to build their comprehension. Yes, it is important for your child to read on their own. But, a mix of both is ideal.

Signed,
Third grade teacher

I'll stop reading to them when they want me to/stop asking.

DS is 6 and is pretty capable of reading on his own. But he still asks to read one book together.

I can remember my dad reading to us around the ages of 7-10, maybe even later. Usually chapter books.

I don't worry about how much longer I have. I just enjoy the quality time.

There was a great story a while back about a father/daughter that read together all the way thru HS-- even if it meant her coming home for 15 mins on a Sat. night or him going to play rehearsal for a few pages.

Point is, everyone is different. We're still reading at 10.

My DD is 8 and has been reading at night herself for about a year. I read to her occasionally. But I think it's important she reads to herself now.

My DS is almost 8 and we still read together at bedtime. He's a good reader and is definitely capable of reading on his own. But, I think it's just because we've been doing it forever, and it's part of his routine.

I'm enjoying it for now, but I recognize that I won't be able to do this forever. How much longer do I have? When do your kids want to quit with the reading at night?