About a year after I had my daughter, an old friend of mine called to catch up and asked me: “What have you been reading lately?” I had always been an avid reader. I love reading books, discussing books, and sharing books. But when she asked me that question, I had to pause and think about it.
Finally, I admitted: “I haven’t read much lately.” In fact, I had barely read anything since Little Miss had been born. Between juggling my part-time work schedule and taking care of her, my hobbies — all of them — had pretty much fallen by the wayside. When I did read, it was at night when all was quiet — and then I promptly fell asleep moments after I opened the book. (Affiliate links included).
But I missed reading, oh so much.
Because I wanted to encourage a love of books with my own two kids, I squeezed in time to read The Read-Aloud Handbook. Then I read a passage that changed the way I viewed reading — and even all my hobbies as a young mom — forever:
“Make sure you, the adult role model, are seen reading daily. It works even better if you read at the same time as the child.”
We know our kids often copy our behaviors and the things we say. So why not carve time out of our day to do the things we love – even while our young kids are awake?
The a-ha moment was huge for me, and a piece of advice that I wish I had received earlier, which is why I share it with you now. After reading The Read-Aloud Handbook, the amount of reading I did exploded (from nine books in 2015 to more than 50 in 2020 alone).
So how did I squeeze in reading again? Number one: by giving myself permission to read a book of my own (not a picture book to my kids!) during the day. Here are some other things that helped me, as well as other moms, “refind” reading, even with two young kids at home.
Join a Book Club
As with many things, giving myself a deadline helps tremendously. Since a book club has a specific meeting time (even now with Zoom), it’s a deadline – especially if I don’t want the ending spoiled. But the other added bonus is that book club gives me an excuse to socialize with friends too.
Be Okay With Reading in Quick Snatches of Time
I will always love to snuggle under a blanket with a cup of coffee and a book. But with young kids that’s rarely feasible. Rather, stop the social media scroll and pick up a book instead. While waiting to pick up your kiddos from school, read a page or two. Kids busy playing? Give yourself permission to read a few more pages instead of doing a chore around the house.
Utilize Audiobooks
When your to-do list is a mile long but all you want to know is what happens next in your book, audiobooks can be a total game changer. You can also listen to audiobooks while driving the car or while going for a walk around the block. Audiobooks make make it SO much easier to read more books.
Institute Quiet Time
I am a huge proponent of daily quiet time for the kids for a number of reasons. While I personally use quiet time to work, I’ll occasionally (such as on the weekend) use it to read a chapter (or two). As my kids get older, we’ll keep quiet time… but I’ll also encourage them to have their own independent reading time too. They read while I read; it’s a win-win.
Swap the Kindle For a Physical Book
While I love the Kindle for trips and reading on the go, when I read in front of my kids, I pick up a physical book. That way they know exactly what I’m doing. When I’m on my phone, they know I may be working, or checking email (or let’s be honest, scrolling social media). But with a book, there’s no question what I’m doing: reading!
Make Reading a Daily Habit
Give yourself permission to read every day. Perhaps it’s during lunch time, or quiet time or right before bed. Either way, by making it a part of your daily routine, you’re that much more likely to finish a book (or two, or three).
Read In Front of Them… Whenever You Want
This was my realization when I read The Read-Aloud Handbook, but it bears repeating: read in front of your kids, whenever you want. They don’t need to be asleep for you to take some time for yourself. Reading – and hobbies in general – are a form of self care.
Still feeling a bit guilty? Remind yourself this: you’re a role model for reading. When your kids see you read, chances are they’ll begin to copy you. You’re teaching them that reading is important to you too.
Now, what’s on your TBR pile? Want to see what I’ve been reading? Find me on GoodReads here.
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