Finding time to read as a new mom is no joke. I thought I was busy before I became a mom, I really did. Now, looking back. I’m not sure what I was doing all day long! This is definitely no shade to anyone without kids, this is just my own personal experience. I thought I struggled finding time to read working full time. But honestly, adding the title of mom to that list, really just made it harder.
Since I know you’re a busy parent (otherwise, why would you have clicked this link), feel free to watch or listen to the video instead of reading the blog post.
If you’re reading this, I can only assume you’re probably a mom or a caregiver of some sort. Maybe you used to read all the time but now you barely have time to shower. Maybe you’re looking for something to do on your own. Or maybe you are trying to set an example for your children. Whatever the reason is, I’m glad you’re here. Let’s just dive right in to 10 ways you can find time to read as a new (or not) mom!
#1. Get off your phone!
I know you don’t think you’re on your phone that much. Trust me, I didn’t either. It wasn’t until my smartphone told me my screen time was at 6 hours for one day, I knew there was a problem. When you’re feeding the baby and trying to stay up odd hours in the night, sometimes the scrolling just happens. No shame, we’ve all been there. But trust me, ditch the phone, get yourself a good book and a reading lamp or just an E-Reader! Bonus: You can also just download the Kindle App on your phone and read from there.
#2. Audiobooks Count
In case no one’s every told you this before – you can listen to a book and it counts as reading it. Folding laundry? Listen to a book. Cooking dinner? Listen to a book. Working out? Listen to a book. Waiting in the carpool line? Listen to a book. On your way to work? Listen to a book. You get the idea. P.S. Your library has free audiobooks – you’re welcome!
#3. Read Before Bed
This was the way I got back into reading after my daughter was born. I couldn’t find the time during the day and when it was time for bed I would either crash, scroll on my phone or watch a show. Once I started reading before bed, it was a gamechanger. Sometimes I make it 5 minutes before I fall asleep, other times I make it halfway through a new book.
#4. Wake Up Earlier
On a perfect day, I wake up naturally to chirping birds and have a nice hot chai on the patio while reading a great book. Life isn’t perfect, but I can wake up 20 minutes before my day starts to read on the patio or in a comfy chair (or more realistically in my bed with the reading light trying not to wake my husband). Sleep is precious, but waking up just a little earlier to start your day in a book, might be worth it to you!
#5. Independent Playtime
You always have to supervise your children for safety. That, however, does not mean you have to entertain them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This was so hard for me to learn as a new mom. I honestly and truly thought I had to entertain my daughter for all her waking hours. Parents, this is not the case! Did you know that?! Sometimes my daughter is content playing alone for 5 minutes, sometimes it’s 10, sometimes it’s 30. As long as she’s safe and I’m keeping an eye on her, I can get some reading time in.
#6. Join a Book Club
I know what you’re thinking. “I don’t have time to read, I certainly don’t have time for a book club.” And maybe you don’t. I don’t know your schedule. BUT, maybe a book club is just the push you need to get started. Get some friends together and start a book club or join one at your local community center, bookstore or library. The book clubs I’m in read one book a month. Totally manageable and it holds you accountable! That’s a guarantee you’ll read 12 books a year and get some adult time (and usually snacks!) to talk about them too.
#7. Start a TBR List You’re Excited About
No one wants to read a book they aren’t really interested in. Spend some time at a bookstore or your library browsing shelves. Take your family with you or leave them at home for some much needed you time (you deserve it!). Find a few books you cannot wait to start reading and keep adding to that list. When you’re excited about diving into a book, you’ll read more.
#8. Put Systems in Place in Your Home
This one is a little weird, but trust me on this. We don’t read, because we’re too busy doing all the other things that adults, moms and caregivers do. We have a lot on our plate! Find systems that work for you to free up your time. Too many errands? Do them all on one day. Nothing for dinner? Meal plan or dust off the crockpot. House a mess? Are you doing it all? Can your spouse or kids help out. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done.
#9. Figure Out Why You Feel Guilty About Reading
Every time I sat down to read I would think of something else I had to do instead of reading that was a more productive use of my time. I was feeling guilty for not being productive. Ridiculous, I know. I soon realized that it’s okay not to be productive 24/7. Sometimes when I have a spare moment I’ll fold a load of laundry, other times, I’ll read a book. It all evens out. The important things get done. What’s holding you back? Is it real or is it ridiculous? Be honest with yourself.
#10. Read with your family!
My daughter is really young. Therefore, our family read aloud is more Little Blue Truck and less Chronicles of Narnia, but it’s still reading (even though I probably won’t add Little Blue Truck to my Goodreads challenge). If your kids are older, read aloud a chapter book to them – it’s okay to read kids books! If your kids are younger, honestly, read to them too. My husband sometimes reads The Hobbit to our daughter when she’s eating. She has no idea what’s going on, but I enjoy listening to him and he enjoys rereading one of his favorite stories.
I know finding time to read as a new mom can be hard, but you deserve it! I know you can do it. I can’t wait to hear about all the great books you are reading.