As a busy parent juggling work, family, and everything in between, finding time to sit down with a good book can feel like an impossible task. Between school drop-offs, meetings, and endless to-do lists, it can be difficult to carve out moments for yourself, let alone indulge in a chapter or two of your latest read. But reading is important, not just for relaxation, but for personal growth and maintaining a sense of joy in your daily routine. So, how can you squeeze more reading into your busy life? Here’s how to make reading a regular part of your day—no matter how packed your schedule is.
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1. Set Realistic Reading Goals
Rather than aiming to finish a 400-page novel in a week, set manageable goals based on your available time. Aim for reading 10–15 minutes a day. The key is consistency over quantity. A few pages each day add up over time and prevent the pressure of finishing an entire book in a short span. Personally, I try to read for 5-10 minutes early in the morning before my kids wake up or for a bit after they go to bed—no matter how many other things need my attention. It's a small habit, but it makes all the difference in staying connected to the stories I love.
2. Use Your Kindle to Your Advantage
As a Kindle reader, you’re already ahead of the game! I carry mine everywhere—it's always in my purse, ready for any spare moment. Whether it’s while waiting for a doctor’s appointment or sitting in the carpool line, pulling out my Kindle allows me to dive into a few pages whenever I can. Kindle’s features, like adjustable text size and built-in lighting, make it easier to read in any setting, day or night.
3. Listen to Audiobooks During Downtime
Audiobooks can be a game-changer for busy parents. I love listening to audiobooks during my commute to the office. It's a great way to keep up with my reading even when I'm on the go. Services like Audible allow you to enjoy books without needing to sit still. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to “read” more than one book at a time—one for when you’re on the move and another for when you’re settled.
4. Make Reading a Family Activity
Reading is something I make a point of sharing with my kids each night. We do family story time before bed, and it’s such a great bonding experience. Soon, we’ll be trying out our first kids' chapter books together! If anyone has recommendations for great chapter books to start with, I’d love to hear them. It's an exciting new chapter in our reading journey, and I can't wait to dive into longer, more complex stories with them.
5. Take Advantage of Small Snippets of Time
You don’t need hours of free time to read. Use those in-between moments—waiting for appointments, during a commute, or even while your kids are playing. These pockets of time may seem small, but they can quickly add up, and before you know it, you’ll have finished a chapter (or two!). It's amazing how those little moments can stack up throughout the day.
6. Join a Book Club for Accountability
Finding a book club or reading group can make reading more enjoyable and help you stay on track. With a group of people to discuss books, you’ll feel more motivated to keep up with the reading and have fun while doing it. Many online book clubs have flexible meeting times, and you can even join one virtually, making it easy to participate no matter where you are.
7. Combine Reading with Other Hobbies
If you already have hobbies like journaling, knitting, or crafting, try combining them with reading. You can listen to audiobooks while doing other activities that don't require a lot of mental focus. Whether you're doing a puzzle or folding laundry, you can immerse yourself in a story, making the most of your time.
8. Create a Reading Routine
Establishing a reading routine is essential. Find a time each day that works for you, whether it’s early morning or right before bed. Making reading a habit means you’re more likely to stick with it. It doesn’t need to be a long session—15 to 20 minutes is enough to get your daily fix of reading.
9. Utilize E-Book Lending Services
If your budget is tight, check out free e-book services such as OverDrive or Libby, which allow you to borrow books directly from your library. This gives you access to a wide variety of titles without the cost of purchasing every book. Plus, having access to a digital library means you’ll always have something to read, whether you’re at home or out running errands.
10. Celebrate Library Lovers Month
February is National Library Lovers Month, and it's the perfect time to appreciate your local library and the treasure trove of books it provides. Whether you’re borrowing physical books or taking advantage of digital lending services, your library is an invaluable resource for expanding your reading collection. Many libraries also host special events, reading programs, and book clubs throughout the month—great opportunities to connect with other readers and discover new titles. This month, take a moment to visit your library and explore everything it has to offer!
11. Don’t Feel Guilty About Your Progress
The most important thing is to enjoy the process, not obsess over how much or how quickly you’re reading. As a parent, it’s okay if you don’t finish a book in a week. Celebrate each chapter you complete, and don’t be hard on yourself if life gets in the way of reading. Reading is meant to bring joy and relaxation, not stress.
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Incorporating reading into your busy schedule doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a few small adjustments and a mindset shift, you can easily make time for books and enjoy the benefits they bring.
Happy reading!
