Finding Time To Read As A Mom
Reading as a mom takes effort.
We all have choices in what we prioritize. We might believe we don’t have time for something, but it’s likely that we are simply prioritizing other things instead. When I talk to people about how much I love to read and they “can’t imagine how I have time to read as a homeschooling mom of four,” I usually have the same answer. Do I have tons of time to read? No. Do I deliberately choose to read at certain times and prioritize it over other things? Yes.
As a mom, there are plenty of moments to find time to read; it just takes some effort. Instead of watching TV or scrolling through my phone, I choose to pick up a book. Now that my kids are a bit older and no longer nap, they are often around when I take a break, and I want to set a good example for them by not always focusing on my phone. Even something as simple as leaving a book in the bathroom instead of using my phone can be a deliberate and impactful choice.
Here are a few of the ways I find or make time to read:
Before The Kids Wake Up:
My kids tend to be night owls, which actually works to my advantage in the mornings. If I’m not heading to an early morning workout, I try to wake up before my kids. This way, I can enjoy a cup of coffee in a comfortable spot while reading my book. I love the quiet of the early morning and the sense of accomplishment I feel from achieving something before my day begins.
After Bedtime:
Ok this one can be a little bit trickier for me because I am not a night owl. I try to get most of my chores done before the kids head to bed so there’s less for me to do once I’m “off duty.” Rarely do we watch TV in the evenings, and this frees up plenty of time to read. Books are also a helpful choice to keep the house quiet in the hopes that maybe our kids will fall asleep early.
Reading On A Device:
This was a major game-changer for me. When I started using the library app and borrowing books on my phone or iPad, I was able to kick my reading habit into high gear. I also love my kindle and have been known to bring it with me for extra reading on the go. I love the feeling of holding a good book and turning the pages, but reading on a device does have its benfits. The ability to to read in a waiting room, during a swim lesson, or even just in different locations inside our house without always carting around a book is very helpful. It also gives me access to far more books than I would otherwise have and falls into our essentialist mindset because we aren’t collecting too many books. (We still have plenty though.) Reading on a device also makes me more inclined to read because it isn’t lost in a big stack of stuff I need to keep track of inside my house. There’s already plenty of other stuff that keeps my hands busy, and sometimes having a book lying around doesn’t help.
Playtime/Quiet Time:
As my kids get older, I've noticed that I don't need to entertain them as much throughout the day. I am present and available, but I'm not constantly in “camp counselor mommy” mode. When they were younger, I could rely on nap or quiet times for a break, but now those moments are less frequent for us. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t still find downtime as a mom; I just have to consciously pause my work to sit down and read. If my kids are deeply engaged in play and don’t need me, I take that opportunity to grab my book. When they are safely playing, I’ll enjoy reading.
Reading While They Read:
Monkey see, monkey do. There are times where my kids will all sit down and flip through the pages of a book together or make a big pile of books that they read to each other. Don’t be fooled into thinking this happens often, but when it does, I am right there with them. It’s fun to read alongside the kids and I try not to miss those opportunities.
Baby Feeding Time:
If you are a breastfeeding or pumping mom, the time you spend nursing or pumping for your baby can easily be used for reading. I wouldn’t recommend anything too dense, as you’re likely exhausted and don’t need more reasons to doze off while sitting up. A light and cute romance novel could be just the entertainment you need during those late-night nursing or pumping sessions!
Accountability:
A few years ago, I set a New Year's goal to read 20 books in a year. At the time, it felt like a lot, but I ended up meeting that goal before the year was even half over. Some of the books I read were easy romance novels that could be finished in a day or two, which balanced out the more dense material that took longer to read. The following year, I aimed for 30 books and ended up reading 52. Each year, my goal has increased as I’ve become better at finding ways to read.
I use a Goodreads account to track everything I’ve read; they even have an option to set a yearly challenge and maintain a list of books I’m interested in reading. Several years ago, I joined a book club, which significantly boosted my motivation to read. I find I’m more driven to finish a book if I know someone else is waiting to read it next. I'm also trying to borrow books from others or schedule time to read with a friend so we can discuss what we’ve read.
Books have always been a comfort to me. I know this isn’t how everyone feels, but to me when I sit down with a book, it’s almost the same feeling as putting on my favorite comfy sweats and sweatshirt. Reading is how I learn, how I transport my mind to new places, how I find new things to talk about with friends and family, how I escape, and what I enjoy. As a mom, I give so much of myself to my children, and for me, maintaining a good reading habit helps me feel more like myself.
Speaking of books…exciting news! In just two months you will be able to purchase my book “Let’s Choose Less.” I am so excited to share this work with you! Mark your calendars!