Balancing family life and personal time can feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re a parent constantly shuttling kids to practices, games, and everything in between. As much as I love my time with the kids, I still crave those quiet moments with a good book, a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and a bit of an escape from the daily grind. But making time for reading? Some days it feels almost impossible! If you’re like me—playing the roles of chauffeur, chef, referee, housekeeper, and nurse—you know just how hard it can be to fit reading into a packed schedule.
After trial and error, I’ve found ways to sneak in reading time, no matter how hectic life gets. If you’re a book lover at heart but a busy parent in reality, these tips will help you balance your passion for reading with family life, even during sports season.
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Why Reading Matters (Even When Life is Busy)
Reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to unwind, recharge, and escape from the whirlwind of parenting. Not only does reading reduce stress, but it also boosts creativity, empathy, and mental clarity. I know that after a long day of driving to practices, packing snacks, and cheering at games, even just 10 minutes of reading helps me feel more grounded. And guess what? Even on the busiest days, those 10 minutes are doable with the right approach!
This is where the term “book-fox” comes into play…
I know you’ve heard of a book-worm, but a book fox is someone who sneaks in any bit of time possible for a little reading to fill their cup; I am a book-fox.
5 Practical Tips for Making Time to Read When Life Is Hectic
1. Set Realistic Reading Goals
One of the biggest reasons we fall out of a reading habit is the pressure to read too much too fast. Instead, focus on small, realistic goals. Aiming for 10-15 minutes daily is more sustainable than setting overly ambitious page count goals. Squeezing in a chapter at school pickup or a few pages before bed adds up to meaningful reading time! Sometimes, starting with just 10 minutes often leads to reading late into the night—because we have to know what happens next, right?
2. Embrace Audiobooks
When traditional reading doesn’t fit into your day, audiobooks are the perfect solution. They allow you to “read” while driving to soccer practice, grocery shopping, or doing housework. I love hitting play on an audiobook whenever I’m in the car with the kids—it turns all that driving time into productive reading time! If it’s not age-appropriate, I use AirPods to listen privately while they enjoy music or a movie.
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3. Carry a Book Everywhere
This one’s simple but incredibly effective: keep a book or e-reader with you at all times. That way, any time you find yourself waiting—whether it’s at practice, during downtime at your mother-in-laws, or sitting in the car waiting around for your kids to finish whatever they are up to that day—you can dive into a few pages. You’d be amazed at how much reading you can fit in this way! Personally, I love my Kindle Paperwhite because it’s lightweight, easy to carry, fits in my purse and is perfect for quick reading breaks.
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4. Create a Routine with Your Kids
If you can’t carve out solo reading time, create a family reading routine. Set aside 20 minutes before bed where everyone reads together, each with their own book. Not only does this allow you to squeeze in some reading, but it also encourages your kids to develop a love for books. It also shows them how important it is for you to squeeze in time for the things you love. It’s a simple but effective way to build reading time into the family schedule!
5. Use Weekends Wisely
Weekends are usually packed with activities for us, from early-morning games to family outings. But I’ve discovered that waking up just 30 minutes earlier on a Saturday lets me enjoy some peaceful reading time before the day’s busyness begins. Alternatively, winding down with a book after the kids are in bed can feel like a mini weekend escape. Find a quiet moment, whether it’s in the early morning or late at night, and enjoy a few chapters.
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Balancing reading with a busy family life isn’t always easy, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible! Incorporate reading naturally into your day with audiobooks, routines, or carrying a book—it shouldn’t feel like a chore. Remember, it doesn’t take hours of uninterrupted time to enjoy books—sometimes, just a few minutes here and there can add up to something meaningful.
So, the next time you’re waiting at practice or have a few quiet minutes, crack open that book (or hit play on your audiobook) and let yourself unwind. Because yes, you deserve it!
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