Finding Time to Read as a Busy Mom

Every single time I publish book reviews, I get asked how I have so much time to read.

Honestly, I don’t HAVE time to read, I make time to read. I truly enjoy reading books, and so book reading is a priority in my day. And to be even more honest, sometimes making time to read books looks like me not accomplishing a different task that maybe should be done before reading a book.

Still, I have found myself extremely well versed in the art of book reading. Even with three children, a part time job, a blogging hobby and a husband in a very demanding job, I read about 100 books a year. This is how I make time to read as a busy Mom.

1. I write it on my to-do list Anybody else a huge fan of to-do lists? I write everything down on my list and have such satisfaction crossing it off. My to-do list usually includes lesson planning, washing dishes, baking bread, doing laundry, etc. The thing is, if I don’t write reading a book on my list, I don’t ever get around to doing it because I prioritize what is written on my list! When I write down “read 1 chapter” I usually make time and space for book reading sometime during the day.

2. I put down my phone and turn off the TV. Many people will tell me that they don’t have time to read books, but I bet the screen time monitor on our phones would say otherwise! I tend to notice that when I am in a reading slump, my phone screen time has increased dramatically! If I have time to scroll through Instagram for two hours, or if I have time to watch a Netflix marathon, or if I have time to know exactly what has happened on Facebook for the last three hours, then I have time to read a book. In the evenings after the kids have gone to bed, instead of turning on a show, I sit down with a good book instead. Since my husband goes to bed very early, I usually have a solid two hours to read a book between kid bedtime and getting myself to bed! Moms, if you want to read more books…put down the phone. It’s amazing how much time I can find in the day to read little bits and pieces of my book. Just think of all the moments we whip out those phones. Use those moments to read instead.

3. I establish family reading time This one is really hard because it takes consistent practice and work. But by establishing family reading time or even “quiet time”, I can sneak in my own reading! Everyone in the family grabs a book (or a pile of picture books), a pillow, and a cozy spot and everyone READS! No tablets, no phones, no laptops, no TV. Just books. At first, this will probably last less than 10 minutes. But as it becomes a habit, it will start to last longer and longer!

4. Night light Every night before bed, I read. Sometimes I do regret staying up later those last few minutes, but it’s so worth it to get lost in a book. Trust me, the more you read, the more you will love it. In fact, reading more has resulted in me wanting to turn off the TV sooner, so I can climb into bed and enjoy that book! It’s a hard habit to form, so just start with 10 minutes. Read for 10 minutes, and then turn off the light. No phone checking, no Netflix in the background, just you and the book as your last conscious thought for the day.

5. I choose wisely. The best way I find time to read as a busy Mom is by picking books that I do not want to put down! Everyone is different, so the books that someone else recommends may end up being very boring for me. I have had to find your style and go with it! I have also had to learn how to quit books that I’m just not enjoying. I find my book lists through bloggers, Pinterest, and by browsing the shelves at the library! If you are struggling to make reading a habit, find something that you WANT to read, and you will make the time to read it!

6. Use your wait times. Think of all the times that you have spent waiting. Perhaps you are waiting in carpool pickup line or waiting on grocery pickup order. Perhaps waiting in line at the bank or store. Waiting for the casserole to bake for those last 10 minutes. These are all great times to have a book on hand and make some progress in reading! I always make sure to have a book with me wherever I go. That way if I find myself unexpectedly waiting, I can spend some time reading! Even though audio books aren’t my favorite, I also try to have an audio book available so I can listen to it while I’m driving or waiting somewhere that it is inconvenient to be holding a book.

What about you? How do you find time to read as a busy Mom?