To only rarely read a bedtime story

[nostoryatbedtime]

When I had my first child (now 5) I read to him at bedtime as soon as he was at the age to have a bedtime. He’s always enjoyed stories at bedtime and we read several books.

DC2 is another kettle of fish and while we read every day I only rarely do a bedtime story as she generally doesn’t want one. (I always ask.)

So I’m just idly wondering how unreasonable I’m being.

Is this a question of being unreasonable? Your child doesn't want to read a book before bed and you don't, so you think you're being unreasonable?

As long as you're reading with her most days, I think that's fine

By your own admission you read with them every day so why on earth would it matter if it’s not at bedtime?! 😂

I want to @worldshottestmom but as your post rightly suggests you can’t really force sn unwilling child to read! It does make me feel a bit negligent; silly really.

Not all kids like books before bed. My DS does, my DD doesn't. She prefers to read in the day so we do that. If she doesn't want to, then so be it. Just go with the flow 🌊

The important bit is the reading, not the time of day.

Reading at bedtime is to help children to wind down and have a quiet connection with their parent(s) or caregiver. If your child winds down a different way (ie listening to music), it’s really your call.

YANBU. I am still doing a bedtime story with my 12yo DC1 (I know... but I pick and we are doing good ones), but DC2 prefers to read alone now and before that, he preferred to listen to an audio book together. I think the important thing is to get them loving stories, it doesn't matter when or how.

DS has never wanted a bedtime story - 10 now and I can remember him shouting no if we read to him in bed when a toddler. We read in the day, and he does read but wasn’t appreciative of a bedtime story 🤷🏼‍♀️

One of mine hated bedtime stories, the other, who is 10 now still likes one. The younger one just liked to self sooth with a bottle, dummy or his thumb.
Just let them lead.

As long as you’re genuinely reading a range of engaging and diverse books then it doesn’t matter whether it’s at bedtime or not.