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I used to read about two books a week. But somewhere between this blog, becoming a mom and everything else in my life, I just stopped. Sure, I’d still read a book on vacation every now and again. But, I wasn’t really making any headway into the long list of books I’d added to the notes section of my phone. So at the beginning of summer when I finished The Summer of Sunshine and Margot by New York Times best selling author, Susan Mallery, I created some summer reading tips for parents to help myself and you too!
For me, reading is “me” time that both relaxes me and helps me wind down. So missing it from my life kind of felt like I was cheating myself from something I really enjoy. Sound familiar?
Back to the book real quick…which would be a perfect beach read. The Summer of Sunshine tells the story of the Baxter sisters who come from a long line of women with disastrous luck in love. It’s witty and full fo humor and love and reminded me that sometimes no matter how busy life is, it’s good to “escape” into another world with a book.
With that being said, I didn’t read my copy of this book on the beach (I wish). But I did read it on the plane to France! And, I’ve been using my summer reading tips for parents to help make my summer reading a success. So, I thought I’d share those with you too!
5 Summer Reading Tips for Parents
1. Make time
Carve Out the Same Time Everyday. I know, I know. The whole point you’re not reading is because you don’t have time, but you have 15 minutes and it’s easier than you think. I’ve been reading 15 minutes before bed. It helps me avoid scrolling through social media (which actually is not recommended to do before bed) and helps relax me. The only problem is that I definitely read longer than 15 minutes (especially when I was reading The Summer of Sunshine and Margot. But, you could set an alarm!Time
2. Join book clubs
Join a Book Club. When I first moved into our neighborhood, I joined a book club with some of the neighborhood ladies and the first few times I didn’t read the book. But then I made a promise to myself that I was going to start reading them, and I have loved every book we’ve read so far! We don’t talk about the book the whole time, but while we do, I enjoy getting the other perspectives, etc.
3. Find interesting books
Find Books that Interest You. I definitely am into Women’s Fiction and Thrillers, so anytime I buy anything else to read, it becomes decor on my bookshelf and never gets read. So guess what, I stopped trying to read them and decided to stick with what I actually enjoy!
4. Limit screen time
Stop Scrolling: For me, this goes hand in hand with carving out time, but if I read for every time I scrolled through social media, I’d read SO many books. It’s such a time sucker and honestly, it doesn’t bring me joy, so why do it?
5. Take advantage of breaks
Utilize commutes, waiting rooms, lunch breaks, etc. Ride the train? Have a Dr’s appointment? Don’t leave home without a book! You never know when you’ll have a few minutes to escape into some pages.
6. Keep things stress free
Don’t put pressure on yourself! You don’t have to finish in a day, week, month, etc. Just read what you enjoy, when you can. Who cares how long it takes. Chances are, once you’re deep within a great book, you’ll want to keep going anyway which mean you’ll somehow find the time to finish.
And now for some coffee and reading. 🙂
Do you have any summer reading tips for parents? If so, share in a comment below!
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