I agree with what many others has said. Sounds like your husband's biggest issue is worrying about your eight year old not being "manly" enough. I still had a lot of problems sleeping away from home up through junior high, and I don't think it was just because I am female and was therefore allowed to be clingy to home. My BF's step-father is the one who tucks his little half-sisters into bed every night and I think it's very sweet. A shame your husband doesn't want to have that bedtime bond with his kids. Maybe it is insecurity on your husband's part, rather than an issue he has with you or with his son. Perhaps he is afraid that his son will not see his father as manly enough if they don't do "boy" things more often and he doesn't put his foot down about that sort of thing. Just a thought.

1st of all . I was my son's Cub Scout Leader I'm now a Boy Scout Ast. Scoutmaster. I have been on plenty of camping trips with Cubbies and it's not the least bit odd that your son will miss his nightly reading! I would hope that you husband can comfort him properly. There is nothing wrong with you son being close to you. My son is 15 we are close. He grown into a very confident, smart and caring young man. I know that if anything ever happen to me he'd be able to take care of himself. Your husband has no reason to tell you to cut the strings your son will find his own way and you'll know when to give his space. He'll know that he can ALWAYS come to you no matter what it is for you have build a wonderful solid base and he'll build on that. In these days of drugs/gangs/and such your son is going to need to know he can trust you. Reading to your children not only brings you closer together but are building blocks to learning the same as music. I have so much to say but I'm terrilbe with words. I know if I could go back in time tonight and was sitting reading him a story I'd give him an extra tight hug. For I know that when I blinked he's be 15 (He'll be 16 this month) and there are no longer nightly hugs. Just a night mom love you. I still get a hug every once in a great awhile. They are wonderful. Soon those will be fewer ... for I swear when I blink again he'll be married. I wish him all the happiness in the world.
Time goes to fast cherish every moment.

I just saw this thread..my son is 10 and my hubby treats him way differently than my 7 year old girl! it is like ok you are a boy so be tough. I always am on him for not treating them farily so I do hear you. But 8 is still 8 and even my 10 yeaar old likes to be read to. reading to children not only improves their vocab but instill in them a love of reading which is very important...The camping trip makes me feel a little nervous..will your hubby remember that your son is still a child?

You are right...and you are a fabulous mom!!!