People, especially fellow moms, often ask me “How do you find time to read so many books?”

That’s an interesting question. When do I read exactly? I have to stop and think about the question because, frankly, I feel my day isn’t complete if I don’t read for at least twenty minutes or more. It may seem silly that I don’t have a set routine I adhere to, or maybe crazier still that I am unaware of such a routine.

So, after some head scratching, here are five ways that I make time to read each day amidst meeting needs of home and family and homeeducating our children.

1. Read in 10-20 minute spurts. I grab moments to read any chance I get. I know reading fills my emotional and mental tank, so I give myself permission to read here and there throughout the day: while the kids are playing or working on independent tasks, frequently for a few minutes just after dinner, and certainly after the kids go to bed for the evening and just before I go to sleep. Another wonderful way to do this is by listening to audiobooks I read these while exercising, folding laundry, and anytime I was driving solo.
2. Read with a purpose. Once I started compiling the Orphan Adoption Book List, I was reading with a purpose. The list really focused my selections. Additionally, once I discover an author that I enjoy, I read as many of his or her books as I can find. The author for the later part of 2020 and the start of 2021 is Jan Karon. I fell in love with The Mitford Series, Father Tim, Cynthia, and Dooley… all the incredibly memorable characters found in the pages of this over 13 book series. I have sets of this book I will add to the shop in the coming days.
3. Put down the cell phone. Perhaps the greatest distraction from daily reading for me is social media. Now that I am no longer on social media aside from Parler this is less of a distraction. I find that putting the phone away affords me much more time for reading. I don’t mind my kids finding me with my nose in a book near as much as my face in a cell phone. Believe me, they see me doing both regularly.
4. Give everyone a daily break. In the earlier days of homeschooling there was an afternoon quiet time for some and a nap time for others. These days we work on homeschool work during the younger kids nap time so I don’t have that break as before, but if you can enforce even a 20 minute quiet time in your home then I would encourage you to do so.
5. Take a book and leave a book. I grab whatever book I am reading and throw it in my purse as we head out the door. This way if there is a snippet of time I am prepared to read instead of scroll (see number 3 above). I often also leave a book in my car to grab while waiting for an appointment or between running errands. Finally, leave books in several rooms of your home. Don’t forget the bathroom! I know there is hardly uninterrupted time for moms even when nature calls, but it doesn’t hurt to try right?

I’ve begun adding winter books to the store so be sure and check the new listings throughout the week. Also, please share the shop with your friends!

Happy Reading!