How I Find Time To Read

I’m a full time stay at home parent to a 9 month old. I’m busy, just like all parents. I have stayed at home since before the baby was born, I don’t know what it’s like to work and have a kiddo. I just know what I’m used to. Plus, I understand not everyone has the same schedules regarding what they do and how their kids behave. Just a disclaimer this is what works for me. I’ve read almost 20 books this year so far, hence I just thought I’d share what I do.

• I just read really fast

There’s not really any magic to this, and I’m not sure how to give tips on reading quicker. I’ve seen random things online, but I’ve just been a quick reader my whole life. I consume manga super quick, I listen to audio books on 2-3x depending, and I just read books speedily. It’s useful, but I can’t really share on how to do this when I’m not even sure how I learned, I did learn to read when I was 3.5 so maybe that’s why.

• I read multiple books at once

I usually have an audio book, an e book, and a few physical books going on. I do different genres so there’s no overlap. Having multiple books seems to assist me in getting done faster.

• I started listening to more audio books

I started using Libby and Hoopla for audio books. The selections are awesome. I have used Audible Escapes and Scribd, but I don’t listen to enough audio books to justify even paying for a single service. The library apps are free, and I can support the library which is one of my favorite things to do. I know some people use them on their commutes, doing chores, and exercising. I listen on 2-3x depending on the book because otherwise it goes too slow for me.

• I read when the baby is in bed

This isn’t rocket science. When he’s napping or asleep for the night, I read. Sometimes it’s an audio book while my partner plays a game or watches his shows on Hulu. I try to take advantage of this uninterrupted time to read because it’s relaxing, and I know the baby is asleep so there’s no worries for the time being.

• I read while the baby plays

My 9 month old is pretty chill. Unless he’s hungry or needs to be changed, he does his own thing. He plays on the floor with toys and watches his videos all day. I know screen time is supposed to be like the worst for babies, but he seems to love having the music on so I just leave it. He’s not like a television zombie so I’m not worried, but like… we all parent our own way.

• I read in bed when I have insomnia

This is when ebooks come in handy. I have NetGalley books, random free books, or I use library apps. I spend a lot of time reading in bed, using my phone. I plan to get a kindle to make it better on my eyes. I, thinking a paper white or oasis. I haven’t decided yet.

And these are all the ways I read the books I do. This year at the time I’m writing this, I have read 20 books. I must be doing something right!

What are your tips to be more productive with your reading time? I love new tips and how to read even more, please share with me.