I think it's sweet....

It might be an attention thing but perhaps it's just a bedtime routine that they both enjoy. I don't see the harm in it and 1-2 pages is nothing. It might be a soothing mechanism for SD, or maybe it's just how she likes to end the day and it makes her feel secure.

As long as she can and does read well on her own, I would let it go.

At 8 years old my mother and I were reading Little House on the Prairie together...later Agatha Christie. I attribute my ability to read and write and understand language to that time with her.

I'd encourage any sort of reading with a child no matter what. Err on the side of education. One or two pages a night is nothing if it helps her in the future.

My thoughts are take it and like it for its good for the soul. I'm in my 30's and my husband reads stories to me when he isn't too tired. Honestly I don't remember much of what he is reading but I do eat up that attention and the bonding time. Trust me in 5 years from now, this concern won't be an issue for you.

My mother read to me in bed until she and my bio dad split- she just didn't have the time anymore, I was nine, we went from cat and the hat, to Little House books to Tolkien. I credit her for my love of reading and the fact that I read well.

My parents stopped reading when we knew how to read. They bought us a hell of a lot of books after.

The only one I remember was Journey to the West (the Monkey King for those unfamiliar with the full title) but only because it was in Chinese, and if they could have found it in english, I'm sure my dad wouldn't have read it to us.

To each their own.

If this bothers you, you are in trouble. I love that he does this. My son was read to and eventually asked me to stop around kindergarten, because he could read and was a big boy. Let them have this. Eventually she will not want this. What a great ritual for a father with his child. My sons dad died when he was 6 and he read with BS all the time. This makes me sad that it bothers you.

We read to SD until she could read to us. She is now 7 & reads to us. We help her with words she gets stuck on.

I don't think you are ever too old to be read out loud to.

Your SD should be read age apropriate books, but short ones, and then she should read to herself in bed after that.

I think at that age I was still being read to but I was always, always reading to myself as well.

Maybe they can start a chapter book together. Sweet Valley Kids (and Twins) were always one of my favs..or Ramona Quimby books.

Ss9 phased us out himself. Around 8 he started asking to read to himself or write in his journal some nights. We still read to him probably 2-3 nights a week. I wouldn't force it. At early elementary age bed time ritual is still a big deal, helps soothe, calm, transition to sleep. I would imagine that's why she gets upset when you won't read to her.

I think I stopped reading to my SD10 when she was 9. She moved in with us full-time when she was 7, so I started reading to her as a bedtime routine thing, to help her feel more comfortable and at home. Her mother is currently back in the picture and now has her the majority of the time, due to mine and DH's work schedules... and BM gives SD an hour of alone time to read at night by herself. So I guess it just depends on the individual situation. I probably would stop with my own children by middle school at the latest.

8 year olds need attention from their parents. If that attention comes from being read to, great. Two birds, one stone. My 15 and 14 year old boys take turns reading chapters to their sisters, who are 11, 10,7, 4, and 2. All but the two year old are perfectly capable of reading, and they do, but the interaction is a positive one.

Love how everyone assumes it's a stepMOM upset with a bio dad...

I read to my kids for many years beyond their ability to read on their own. They read to me, we would each take turns reading. It's binding time that you just can't get back.

I think you should let it go. You don't have to read to your sd but if your wife still wants to, she should.

7 is not too old to be read to, and in a way it opens their minds to more advanced vocabulary and narrative if you continue to read to them, but choose more challenging books for them to aspire to read themselves. And reading together is a warm loving experience and a good relaxing activity before bed. I can't see anything wrong with your SD wanting that or your wife wanting to do that with her so I think you're being unfair if you resent it.

I read to DD every night, and/or had her read to me, until she was about 6. Here in the UK schools expect parents to read with their children regularly as it's one of the key factors in children developing and maintaining a love of reading, which has huge educational benefits. That continues well past the stage when they can read adequately.

Like your SD, at 7 my DD is a very accomplished reader, I still read to her, but not every night. If she wanted to every night I would. Once DD was a good reader herself she went through phases - sometimes wanting to read herself, sometimes wanting me to read with her. For a time she went into a lull and read less and then I triggered her interest again by reading some stories for older children - Roald Dahl etc. At the moment I am reading Harry Potter to her most nights.

My BM was the NCP when I was growing up and when I was with her she would read to me at night. Usually a chapter, it was part of our time. She did so until I was 12 or so, at which point Id start a book with her but didnt want to wait until I was back with her to read more so would take it home to read myself.
However on the other side I cannot remember a time as a child ever reading with my dad, discussing books as I got older and able to read the same things he did but not reading together.

Personally I find it really odd that my partner doesnt have reading a book as part of the bedtime routine for my SD3, he never has read to her before bed. Bedtime is literally, its time for bed lets get teeth cleaned and ready for bed and thats that. In fairness it does mean theres no argument of "please just read a bit more" which I can remember pulling myself many times!

If its just a few pages I dont see anything wrong with it, however if its something that SD is throwing a fit about Id be tempted to limit it. Its not a given right, its a privilege and she doesnt get it for behaving badly.

My BS7 has real trouble with reading (and writing), he has been consistently below grade level. He tries really hard, but you can tell there is a disconnect (he jumps between lines/will read the word correctly, then incorrectly). He can get very frustrated. One of the things that has helped him immensely is our story time. He reads to me (a short book), then I read him a longer book. He has started reading a story to me after I read it to him...this way he gets an idea of the words. What is really cute is he has started giving voices to characters and adding inflection.

His teacher is very impressed with his progress - just a few weeks ago he progressed out of the "extra help" reading group at school and into the regular reading group. My heart was so full of pride when he ran out and told me proclaiming it "the best day EVER".

I have always ensured he understands the importance of education, and I really believe this...also working with a child's skill set - he is never going to be the best reader or writer, but he could probably put 5th graders to shame in math!

Reading with a parent is so important - not only does it assist with education but it is also one of the few truly one-on-one things you can do with a child

I was the same--my parents stopped reading to me when I could read myself. And I loved that time alone at night! But some kids are more needy than others (i.e. SKIDS) If I were you, I'd use your disagreement to your advantage. Use the "bedtime reading time" to sit on the couch and have a beer while DW goes and reads to the kid. If my DH wants to do that kind of thing with SD, it's his choice so I use that as a great excuse for my alone time, and boy have I learned to love wine!