I hesitated to write this blog because I don’t know if other parents struggle with this specific type of parenting related challenge. As with all things parenting, there are infinite scenarios and dynamics that make each family’s situation unique, but I am writing for those parents who miss their pre-kids book loving self and would find great joy in rediscovering their reading life.

I do want to state straight up that I believe there are parents out there who don’t find this to be a problem at all. They might be reading this thinking – if you want to read a book, then read a book. Perhaps their kids play independently while they read, they might have family who share the child rearing, or young children who take decent naps. Or, possibly you are just a much better parent than me and you know the secret to enjoying your own activity while your children are happily occupied. I truly love this and wish it was my reality but alas, it is not. We are a neurodiverse family so that accounts for many of the demands on my time, including one child who isn’t able to attend school, so the days are quite intense and parenting feels all-consuming much of the time. Anyway, I digress.

My point is that reading is truly important to me as it brings me great pleasure and a sense of having something for myself, fueling the motivation to find ways to fit it into my day. If any of this is resonating with you and you’re interested in some ideas for how to read more books while parenting, please read on.

1. Enjoy Any and All Reading Opportunities

The obvious time to read is when children are asleep or outside the home, so of course this is a great opportunity. Definitely take these snippets of time if you can and read without hesitation.

However, as we know, our time can be quickly swallowed up by the other 8000 things on the to-do list so sitting down with a book can seem impossible. That brings me to my main reading method – audiobooks.

2. Audiobooks

Of course this is not revolutionary, we all know about audiobooks. However, it takes so forward planning to engage their full potential! I have taken to having my phone lined up with audiobooks ready to go at any moment and my headphones in arm’s reach. I listen to my audiobook (often with just one headphone in so I can still hear what’s going on) when I’m cleaning, making dinner, gardening, or travelling in the car alone. It’s not perfect as I am frequently interrupted with a loud “Mummy!” and it’s hard to pull myself away with I’m up to a good bit in the story, but often I squeeze in more listening time than I expected. Especially with the gardening. Being outside buys me a bit of extra time before the kids realise I’m not right there with them. On the topic of being outside, you could try audiobook walks, or listening to books while doing other exercise. I know many people prefer upbeat music while working out but I love an audiobook walk. Plugging in an audiobook is an excellent motivator for getting me out the door and getting some movement into my day.

As well as Audible for an audiobook resource, did you know you can access many audio titles for free through your public library? Check out Libby to see if your local library makes this available with your membership.

3. Reading on the Go

If reading a hard copy or e-book are more your preference, another thing that works in a similar way to the audiobooks is always having your book with you. The five minutes waiting at school pick up or in the doctor’s waiting room can sometimes end up being longer and it’s a good time to pick up your book.

Or scroll on social media if you’re just not feeling it – no judgement here!

4. Keep Expectations Low

This brings me to my next point – lower your expectations. It will take longer to finish a book, hard copy or audio version, but that is okay. I take it as a good chance to slow down and as with most of the things I’m begrudgingly learning through parenting, accepting what is.

While your expectations are at their lowest, you could also try reading while your children are with you. I have had very limited success with this but as I said, there are children who amuse themselves while their parents are doing their own thing (I have heard) so it’s worth a shot.

5. Join a Mum’s Book Club

So this is more action based and may not be your jam (and I’m not sure if there are dad’s book clubs. Could be something for dads to consider starting?!). I have belonged to a couple of book clubs and found it hard to commit as something always seemed to come up with the kids, or to be honest, I’m exhausted by the evening so not at my best self. However, I joined a mum’s book club that is relaxed, child friendly and they don’t even mind if you didn’t read the book that month. I’ve read three of the books but only made it to one meeting but I love the reading ideas and enjoy the meetings when I do make it to the catch ups.

6. Only Read Things You Really Love

Don’t waste even a minute trying to read anything you think you ‘should’ read. Read for total pleasure and indulge. If you feel like reading a cheesy romance, enjoy! Your reading choices are for you only.

Finding Great Reads

So this is how I find a tiny bit of time for indulging my inner reader while navigating parenting. I hope this gives someone out there a feeling of solidarity if they sometimes (or all the time) feel like they are desperate for some space for themselves. Please share any other tips you have for getting more reading time into your life, I’m always keen to hear. If you are looking for some ideas of what to read, check back next week for my upcoming blog, My Top 10 All-Time Favourite Books, for some of the titles that I always suggest if anyone is looking for their next read.

See you next time!