There is no single age at which children should move from shared Spanish bedtime stories to independent reading.

The right moment depends on a combination of age, comfort level, comprehension, and motivation. 

For most children, this transition begins gradually somewhere between ages seven and twelve, but readiness matters more than numbers.

A useful sign is comprehension. If a child can follow the story without constant support, recognize familiar words, and understand the general meaning even when some words are new, they are ready to begin reading more independently.

This does not mean they understand everything. Partial understanding is normal and healthy. Independent reading works best when the story still feels enjoyable rather than effortful.

In bilingual stories, some children naturally focus only on the English line and skip the Spanish. This is common and not a failure. To encourage attention to the Spanish without turning it into a lesson, shared reading still plays a role during this stage.

Reading together a few times a week, moving a finger along the Spanish sentence, or listening to the Spanish through an audiobook while the child follows the text helps reinforce that the Spanish line matters. Over time, familiarity reduces the urge to skip it.

Many families find it helpful to mix formats. A child might read independently during the day and return to shared or audiobook-supported reading at bedtime. This keeps Spanish connected to comfort rather than pressure.

The transition to Spanish-only stories usually comes later, once the child can follow the plot without relying on English support. This often happens after repeated exposure to bilingual texts, when common structures and vocabulary feel familiar.

Starting with shorter Spanish-only stories or familiar titles the child already knows in English makes the shift easier.

Independent reading does not mean abandoning shared stories. Even confident readers benefit from occasional read-alouds or audiobooks.

The goal is not independence for its own sake, but sustained, enjoyable Spanish exposure that grows naturally with the child.