As the school year begins, parents often feel the need to move from the simpler summer routine to one that handles homework, activities, and household tasks. Amid these demands, finding time for reading can seem like just another overwhelming task. You know how important reading isโwhether itโs sharing a love of books, growing your childโs vocabulary, or building a strong bond. With a few small adjustments, you can make reading a manageable and enjoyable part of your familyโs school routine.
Iโve noticed that I struggle with this kind of balance in my own lifeโit’s not easy to take time for reading with my kids, making time for self-care, and following through on commitments. And lately I see the same thing happening with many of the busy moms around me. Most recently, I set up a small booth at a local event to help promote The Literary Moms’ Book Club. I couldn’t believe the number of women who came to my table enthusiastically talking to me about how much they love to read! They were so eager to learn more about the book club, to make connections with other busy women who also enjoy reading, but struggle to find the time.
We all long for connection and want to be present for what matters, but when it comes time to show up, it can be tough. Whether itโs from being tired, over committed, or simply not realizing how valuable that time is for us. I know Iโm not alone in this, even if itโs not something we openly talk about.
Just like attending that much-needed coffee date or book club meeting, making space for reading requires commitment and creating rhythms that support it. Hereโs how you can make reading a natural part of your school routine without it feeling like another obligation:
1. Create Reading Rituals
Rituals anchor our routines and help us stick to what matters, even when life feels hectic. Try designating specific times for reading each day, such as during breakfast or as part of your wind-down routine before bed. By connecting reading to something that already happens consistently, it becomes a natural part of your day rather than an extra task.
Eventually, you won’t even think about needing to take time to read. You and your kids will just know that when you get ready for bed, you will also take a few minutes to read together, too. It’s part of the evening ritual.
2. Incorporate Reading into Transitions
Car rides, waiting for siblings at practice, or quiet time after school are perfect opportunities to squeeze in some reading. Keep a few books in the car or download audiobooks to listen to while driving. These small pockets of time can add up, making it easier to integrate reading without feeling like youโre sacrificing something else.
Plus, adding reading into these little times will help your kids see how much you value reading. If they know you find joy in this time, they will be more likely to enjoy it, too.
Here are a few examples of transitional times where you and your family can read together:
- Morning routine โ Read a short story or poem during breakfast to start the day with a calm and positive activity.
- Car rides โ Keep audiobooks or a favorite book on hand for commutes to school or after-school activities. The library also has a large selection of books on CD that you can check out.
- Waiting time โ Use time spent waiting for appointments or during extracurricular practices to read a few pages together.
- After dinner โ Incorporate reading into the wind-down routine right after dinner as a way to transition into the evening.
- Bedtime routine โ Replace screen time with a bedtime story or chapter from a longer book. This will help your child settle down for the night.
3. Set Realistic Goals
If your child is already balancing homework and extracurriculars, donโt stress about squeezing in an hour of reading every day. Instead, set realistic goals that fit your familyโs rhythm. Even 10-15 minutes of reading a day can make a significant impact over time. By keeping expectations manageable, you reduce the pressure and make reading feel enjoyable instead of a chore.
Don’t think of reading time as “all or nothing.” Change your mindset to think of it as “even a little time makes great progress.” Establishing a reading culture in your home takes time and consistency.
4. Encourage Screen-Free Evenings
Screens are often a major obstacle to making time for reading. This is especially true when everyone is tired at the end of a long day. Designate one or two evenings a week as screen-free nights, where the whole family can unwind with books instead. It will be a perfect addition to your school routine. This not only creates space for reading but also encourages quality family time and relaxation.
Another great option is to enjoy a jigsaw puzzle or a game together. PaperPie has a great selection of jigsaw puzzles that also come with books!
5. Lead by Example
Just as kids watch us follow through (or not) on our commitments, they also pick up on how we prioritize reading. If they see you making time for your own reading, theyโre more likely to view it as a valuable activity. Share what youโre reading, and even set aside time to read together as a family. These moments reinforce that reading is a priority, not just another task to check off.
If you would like some reading accountability and encouragement in this crazy life of being a mom, I want to invite you to join The Literary Moms’ Book Club. We are a community of women who are establishing guilt-free me time routines while nurturing a passion for reading in their kids.
Finding Balance and Building Connection in School Routines
In the same way that finding community and connection can be difficult for busy moms, making time for reading requires conscious effort. But both are worth it. When we create school routines that prioritize our well-beingโwhether through social connections, self-care, or fostering a love of reading in our kidsโweโre building a foundation for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Itโs not about adding more to our plates, but about being intentional with the time we already have. By creating simple reading rituals and incorporating them into our existing school routine, we can make reading a natural, enjoyable part of our daily livesโeven during the busy school year.
