Finding Time to Read as a Parent While Quarantined
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Being quarantined at home has made it harder to read while parenting. However, it's still possible with a little bit of effort on your part.
Things have quickly changed in the last few weeks in terms of lifestyle in the United States, and throughout the world. Many of my previous articles talk about reading in simpler times. As such, I figured it was a good time to write an updated article with some of the latest tips I’ve found.
First off, I’d like to say that reading is something that I deeply enjoy. If you don’t love to read, then these ideas are going to be hard to implement. While definitely not impossible, it will require a lot of dedication to get started reading. You can definitely do it if you want though.
What to read
Books, obviously. We consume so much media (and probably even more these days), and it’s really easy to read newspaper articles or otherwise as they are generally short and only require a short amount of attention. A book, on the other hand, is going to require that you clear your mind a bit more.
This is definitely a challenge when you’re stuck at home with kids bearing down on you, and probably going as crazy as you are. However, it’s still definitely possible.
The other thing to consider if you struggle to find time to read is to make sure you’re reading things that are interesting to you. If you don’t like non-fiction, then don’t feel obligated to read it. If romance is your thing, then go for that. It’s more important to build the habit of reading to start - you’ll do that by reading things that you enjoy.
Where to get books
Many libraries throughout the country are currently closed. No more perusing the stacks for your favorite author. However, you most likely can still get books from your local library.
Some libraries are doing reservation pickups, so you can still get your hands on a physical book from them.
Even if your library isn’t doing physical media pickups, most libraries throughout the United States have access to digital books - both ebooks and audiobooks. You’ll have to get on your libraries website to find what they have available, but I have access to two different county library systems and both of them have an extensive collection.
The great thing about digital books and media is that they can be read on just about any device. If you’re going to be reading a lot, I’d highly recommend a dedicated e-ink device (such as a Kindle), but it’s not required. You can read the books on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Beyond the library, you can also get books at local bookstores, if there are any in your area. This is a great way to support local businesses in your area. Not everywhere will have local bookstores, but many of them are doing curbside pickup, so give them a call to find out what’s available.
Finally, there’s always Amazon. You obviously have the option of buying books from them (both physical and digital). That can add up very quickly, but if it’s within your budget, then go for it.
If you have Amazon Prime you already get a free book every month. I’ve actually found that these books are pretty good - they’re not masterpieces, but they’re generally more enjoyable than a lot of the other free books found on Amazon.
For very voracious readers that want access to a large and quick library, there is the Kindle Unlimited program. You can currently get your first month for free to see if this is for you. Having used this before, I can say that while it’s super convenient, I find it hard to justify the price when there are so many free books available through the library already.
When to read
What to read, and where to get books are topics that are pretty consistent with my previous articles. However, when to read has completely changed for most people. You’re likely no longer driving a long commute, going to the park, or finding as much free time.
There are still opportunities to read while at home, but you may not be able to read quite as much as you used to.
Working out
At this point, you’re probably working out at home. Fortunately, that shouldn’t stop you from being able to turn on audiobooks while completing that workout. This is still my favorite time to listen to a book, and I go through about one audiobook a week.
Make sure you have a good pair of headphones for working out (I still recommend the Plantronics).
You get audiobooks from your local library, or else use a service such as Audible. I like to increase my listen speed to 1.5x in order to cut off a decent amount of the time to get through the book.
When kids are sleeping
Reading a book before bed, or early in the morning, when your kids are still asleep is a great time to get through a few pages in some peace and quiet.
I generally like to read a little bit before bed as my mornings are usually quite busy between working out and starting my work day. However, do what works best for you.
While kids are playing
Fortunately, we have a backyard where my kids can play and run around. While we generally prefer the park as there are other kids there, we’ve resigned ourselves to staying at home these days.
I like to play with my kids a bit, but I also like to let them play on their own. I always have my Kindle on me, in one of my pockets, and I’ll pull it out once the kids are engaged in doing their own thing for a bit.
This method doesn’t allow for reading as much as at the park, but there aren’t really other options at the current time.
While completing other tasks around the house
Are you folding laundry, doing dishes, doing yard work, or some other household task? Whatever it may be, audiobooks are great for these situations if you’re not trying to corral kids at the same time.
I spent several hours outside on a project we’re doing in our backyard over the weekend, and during that time I was listening to a book.
I don’t generally listen to books while completing other chores around the house, but that’s also because I’m generally trying to teach kids how to do those tasks as well. If your kids are older, or your partner is spending time with them, then it’s a great time to listen to a few words.
While working
I’ll admit, this is not something I can do. I have a job where I have to be thinking deeply about the project I’m working on, and I can’t concentrate on an audiobook.
On the other hand, my mom goes through at least a book a week just by listening to books while she works. Depending on your job (and current situation), this may be a great option for you.
Conclusion
Just because you’re secluded at home, it doesn’t mean you can’t still read. While it will be more difficult to find time, there are still many opportunities throughout the day that will present themselves if you choose to take advantage of them.
