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Finding Time to Read

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I have always been a reader, and some of my earliest reading memories include riding my bike up to our local library every day of summer break to devour The Baby-Sitters Club series, as well as purposefully reading one chapter of several books on my nightstand before falling asleep. As I’ve grown older, my reading life has ebbed and flowed with assigned reading in high school, course loads during college, heading into the workforce and maneuvering through motherhood. Through all of this, however, I have always needed a book to lull myself to sleep.

As we know, motherhood can be exhausting, so sometimes that well-intended reading time before bed lasts about 0.001 seconds before we nod off. Over the past nine years of motherhood, I have found different ways to sneak in reading as a form of the coveted “me time,” as well as modeling reading for enjoyment for my children.

When I became pregnant with my first baby, I requested the boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia series so I could share them with my baby. After she was born, I remember being very determined with what I read to her, when and for how long. Perhaps it’s a strange character trait of mine, but reading has always been an integral part my days personally, as well as with my children. 

With all of my children, I would read before any nap and bedtime. So when they were very little and just beginning to be on a routine, I would read before their morning nap, afternoon nap, and before bedtime. It became my favorite part of my days with my babies. During their afternoon naps, I would nurse them to sleep while reading The Chronicles of Narnia aloud and maybe my own novel to myself while I rocked them and before I laid them down. That series will always hold a very special part of my heart because of that special time in my motherhood journey.  

However, with no babies in the house anymore and kids that are all becoming bigger and bigger, our reading time looks a bit different these days. We still read before bedtime, listen to audiobooks during our time in the car, and frequent the library often for books they can read on their own, because I desperately want to raise readers. But with older kids comes different time management. Although I miss that pause in my days to sit and read either aloud or in my head, I now have pockets of time to read when they are at piano practice, Ninja class or Boy Scouts. If a book proves hard to put down, I can usually find extra time while they play or while dinner is in the oven.

Sarah Lyons, mother of six, says, “I listen to audiobooks while doing housework and during my commute. I also listen at a higher speed so I can move through them quickly. If reading is important, you can find time. I always have a book with me so I can read while I am waiting in pickup line or at the doctor. I always read before bed every night. I also don’t watch TV and just choose to read instead. Also, I have gotten to the point where I am fine with giving up on a book if it isn’t for me.”

Some other ideas on how to fit in more reading time in your life:

One incentive for reading a chapter book with your children is to have a family movie night once you’ve completed the book. Then you can discuss which telling you preferred and how they were different. Even though one of my children hasn't been bitten by the reading bug quite yet, he still loves listening to a good chapter book. A good librarian can steer you in the right direction, as can awesome book podcasts such as Currently Reading and Read-Aloud Revival. Revisiting some of your favorite childhood books can be a great way to boost your reading life as well. Some suggestions include Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, James and the Giant Peach and Matilda by Roald Dahl, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling. Some recent favorites of ours have been Mrs. Piggle Wiggle by Betty MacDonald, The Legends of Greemulax by Kimmy Schmidt with Sarah Mlynowski, and The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer (which was awesome on audio).

In the past couple of years, my reading life has become much more of a priority and source of entertainment for me. One reason for this is that my husband travels a lot, so I have more time to read and because I’m alone with my lovely kids so much, reading is an easy escape from the sometimes monotonous reality of caring for children 24/7. Also in the last couple of years, I have discovered and listened to many podcasts, including bookish ones where they discuss titles that sound amazing and make me look forward to reading more. In addition, the Goodreads app has helped me set yearly reading goals, 50 books last year and 52 for 2020. Our current library is also amazing, and I love being able to request a book I’ve heard about, stop in quickly to pick it up and always have a pile of books waiting for me.

Joining a book club (one that actually reads and discusses interesting books while drinking wine) is another great way to stay accountable and pick up books that may not be on your radar. I have discovered many great titles and authors through book clubs. Amanda Wetterson, mother of two, says she makes time to read by “inheriting a book club! Truly, reading with a group of friends helps me make the time to read. It's also stretched me to try books I never would have, met new friends, and gives me an excuse to spend time with other women without kids. A book club can really be a win-win-win-win!”

Currently, I tend to read while my preschooler sits in story time at the library, sometimes for 20 minutes in the afternoon (preferably in the sun), while waiting for my kids during lessons, and before I go to bed for the night. I hope this article encourages you to pick up a book and rekindle your love of reading this year.

My Recent Favorites

At Home in the World by Tsh Oxenreider gave me, a SAHM, a sense of wanderlust in the best possible way.

Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto, the CEO of MOPS International, is a fun look at motherhood.

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green adds a sci-fi twist.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reed is like reading a VH1 Behind the Music episode where you desperately want the band and music to be real.

Wolfpack by Abby Wambach is a quick inspiring read about girl power and cheering each other on.

Educated by Tara Westover tells a powerful story that is hard to read and hard to put down.

The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner is another heart-wrenching memoir.

The Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hildebrandt would make a lovely beach read.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes is a fun romcom read with more depth.

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan is an excellent book about being a mom as well as still being a daughter.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is such a fun read about 1940s New York and showgirls.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb gives an interesting look into therapy in a memoir form.

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum is a gripping story of another culture and great for empathy and empowerment.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer is such a fun Beauty and the Beast retelling.

Becoming by Michelle Obama is amazing on audio and hearing the backstory of the Obama family and what they set out to accomplish is fascinating.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 9, Mason, 7, and Slade, 4, and reading time is her favorite time of the day. Check out her current reads by following her @saloux on Instagram.

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