Becoming a mom meant losing myself a little. Losing sleep, losing free time and losing those hobbies I enjoyed prior to having to take care of someone else.
For me – that hobby is reading. I’ve never been good at anything else. No athletic or artistic ability. Just the love for reading. Escaping into different worlds, realities and lives. As a mom though, it can be hard to find time to read.
During the baby phase I discovered audiobooks and fell in love. It became the easiest way to be able to escape into books, but also be able to get things done around the house.
Need to wash bottles? Audiobook while doing it. Need to fold laundry? Audiobook. Cook dinner? You guessed it – audiobook. It does take some time to get use to and it’s easy to lose track of what is going on, but I deal with the same issues reading a physical book too.
As my son got older and out of the baby/infant phase – more into toddler phase, I took the chance at picking up a physical book again. While still always having an audiobook on hand for while I do those mundane tasks. Finding the time and peace to read physical books can be hard though.
I had to learn quickly that as a mom, I’m not always going to get that perfect setup to read. More likely than not it’s going to be chaos when I read. Not a lot of quiet moments with candles lit curled up in a blanket with my cat snuggling me. But – reading is reading. Getting it in while I can is more important to me than waiting for those ideal (and RARE) times. When I do get those, it is all the sweeter.
I also discovered the kindle. For my birthday a few months ago I finally got a kindle and am absolutely loving it. I was always hesitate to get a kindle because I love holding a physical book. And still do. But this is probably the best option a mom on the go can have. It’s easier to pack along with anything else you need to lug around (especially depending on your child’s age).
When I read my physical book:
I should say that these times of reading have changed as my kid has gone through different ages and stages. For right now though, this is what I do with having a newly five year old.
Play time inside in the mornings: I allow myself the first few minutes of doomscrolling on my phone and looking through any notifications from overnight. Then I pick up my book. Rather than spending that time doomscrolling – I hold my book instead of my phone.
On weekends when my son wants to go to a park: My husband watches him/plays with him at the park and I find a nice spot to read my book. I know this isn’t always ideal, but when it works for us, it’s a great time to read.
Have a pool for your child to play in during summer time? No matter the age or size of the pool (as long as they can safely navigate the pool) – it’s a great time to sit with them and open that book.
Besides those times, it’s the more rare times. Rare times that I have the house to myself and am also in the mood to read. Rare times that I get moments to myself on our deck.
When I read my kindle:
Since getting my kindle, I feel like it’s decreased my screen time (on my phone) by a lot. In times where I wouldn’t know what else to do other than doomscroll, I am able to read instead. Don’t worry – I still love a good doomscrolling session though.
Afternoon play time inside: for some reason I prefer to read whatever book I’m reading on my kindle at the time in the afternoon. It could also have to do with the physical books I am currently read tend to require a certain mood and energy (tandem reading Tower of Dawn and Empire of Storms in the TOG series).
Outside play time: I sit at the end of our driveway since it’s easier to have my son play in our front yard than back. We also live in a giant U culdesac. I love having my kindle while he is playing out there. I don’t have to fight with book pages if it’s windy. And – if I have to put it down quickly to tend to my son it’s way easier than a physical book.
Any appointments (without my child): any time I have an appointment for myself (and remember) I’ll bring my kindle to read while I’m in the waiting room. Doesn’t matter if you only get one chapter read or two pages. I still end up further in the book than I was before.
Any events – sporting, concerts, recitals: I don’t go to a lot of concerts, but I imagine that could be a good place to open up the kindle while you’re waiting. This past spring I went to see my brother run for state track. We got there HOURS early in order to have seats. I didn’t take my son to this and it was perfect to be able to pull out my kindle.
Road trips/plane trips: Road trips I usually do a mix between my audiobook and kindle. Once again, the kindle is easier to throw in a purse or bag when traveling. This way you don’t have to worry about losing what page you’re on (if the bookmark falls out). The kindle also takes up way less space. If you’re one that likes to bring multiple books on a vacation in case you finish one then kindle is also great for this. All the books you could imagine are in one place.
At the end of the day – reading is not a race. Your TBR (to be read) is not a to-do list that you have to hurry and finish. To be honest, I need to follow this advice too because I love watching the number on my TBR go down. BUT advice I do actually follow – don’t wait for the “perfect” timing to read. Don’t wait for the ideal atmosphere. Let’s be honest, as moms that would mean you’d maybe read one chapter throughout the entire year.
Another piece of advice – get the kindle! It’ll make your mom life so much easier!! Oh and also check out audiobooks! They really do make chores much more enjoyable. If you have a library card (or if you don’t I recommend getting one) you can download the Libby and Hoopla app to connect your library card. There you can ‘borrow’ audiobooks for free. I listen to audiobooks so much that it got very expensive for me to keep buying them. Audible only gives you one credit per month which once again, not enough for me. I listen to one to two audiobooks per week.
Do these things and you’re sure to fall back in love with reading. And don’t forget to give yourself grace in all the changes you have to go through raising your kid(s). You’ll find yourself again, but an even better version.
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