Do you want to read more books as a parent? You’re not alone. I am constantly looking for time to read, but the kids constantly interrupt, and it’s hard to focus on reading for too long without feeling guilty. Let’s chat about the three tips that might help you find the time to read.
Set aside time each day (or every week) where you can spend uninterrupted time with your book
Some parents will wake up earlier in the morning before anyone else is awake or go to bed later after everyone else has gone to sleep. Others will read right after school while their kids are still at practice/games and won’t be home for a few hours.
Regardless of when you choose, set aside time each day where your only focus is reading.
For me, I like reading before bed. My schedule is kind of crazy, and I’m always doing something, so it’s nice to have a little time before bed where my mind can be at ease. Reading before bed also helps me put myself to sleep.
If you don’t like reading before bed, that’s okay too! Every person is different, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. Find the time of day when your mind is at ease and allow yourself 30 minutes (or more) where all you can do is read.
I also try to read for an hour or more (if the schedule allows) on Saturdays and Sundays when we’re not trying to get a kid off to school. I make myself a cup of coffee and ignore my family for a while…well, kind of.
Read what interests you! There are so many great novels out there waiting for you.
It might take a few books to figure out what books you love. If you don’t like whatever you are reading, it’s okay to stop and try another book. In the book world and on Goodreads, we call this DNF or did not finish. I like reading a lot of genres; my favorites are thrillers and romantic comedies. A lot of my friends read a lot of romance,
If you don’t know what genre to pick up first, pick romance. Romance is the perfect genre to restart your reading life. The stakes are low, and there is always a happy ending. (For a book to be considered a romance, it has to have a happy ending!)
Another easy way to find books you will enjoy is by asking other people what they read! Goodreads is a social media site just for rating books. You can add friends and follow what they are reading or have read. Want to follow me? Click here! Personally, I am obsessed with tracking my reading on Goodreads. They also host giveaways, and I have won so many books. Check out the Goodreads Giveaway Page to learn more.
Speaking of social media, Instagram and Tik Tok is a fun way to also get book recommendations. On Instagram, a good place to start is with the hashtag #bookstagram and on Tik Tok, check out #booktok
Audiobooks are the perfect medium to read more books.
I only read many books because I listen to them while doing household chores or easy work tasks.
Parents can read more books for hours on end and not even realize they have been reading all day! Sometimes I will put my AirPods in while I am in bed instead of reading a physical book. It’s one of the top ways I love to relax.
You can borrow audiobooks through your library with the Libby app or sign up for an audiobook service like Audible or Scribd.
Reading more books is a great way to improve your life in so many ways. As a parent, reading can provide you with the time and space to indulge in hours of uninterrupted creativity, entertainment, and relaxation. If you’re unsure how to start making time for more reading in your schedule, I hope this post was helpful.
Do you have any other helpful tips for parents that want to read more?