Summer Reading? Who has time for that?

[Kadijah Michelle]

I know that summer is supposed to be the time to slow down, go sit out on the deck or hit the beach with a few TBR books, and catch up on your goal, but not for me! I'm a stay at home mom, and summer is my busiest time of the year. I spend most of my day answering to my favorite/yet least favorite word "Mommy," and I dream of when my little angels will start school again (46 days to go, if anyone cares). I was just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this?

[Jackie B. -]

I don't have kids of my own (yet!), but I do struggle with Summer reading. My social life gets packed and I feel the strain of spending all my time outdoors with the people I love. I often find I'm too tired to read.

My solution is that I always carry a book with me. Keeping one in my purse or in the car ensures that if I have 10 minutes of downtime I still get my reading in.

I believe you can do it! Just make certain you make time for yourself among taking care of the little ones.

[Maria]

I know all too well what you are going through. I am a mother of three and work more than 8 hrs a day. I also just started going to the gym and find it a bit hard to get some of my reading done.

My children are old enough that they don't bother me too much and allow me to get some reading in. My husband is also good about letting me have some time for myself when I'm really into a book.

What Jackie B. says about always carrying a book is true. I wake up a little earlier before anyone else but mainly always carry a book and/or a Kindle with me at all times. Especially when going to a doctor's appt. or even when getting my nails or hair done. Don't get discouraged and find time for yourself, even if it's just a little bit.

[Bella]

We homeschool and this year, because my son is going to summer school (college), we extended the school year for our other two kids. Summer break starts next week when my oldest is done with his class. So, summer break is really a break for me.

One thing that may help you get more reading in is doing DEAR. (They do this in regular school once a year, which is where I got the idea. It stands for Drop Everything and Read.) So, even though it's summer, the kids have to read for an hour or two a day, five to seven days of the week.

Also, I get up about 2-3 hours before the kids. I get a lot of reading done while they're still sleeping.

[Kadijah Michelle]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I'm actually ok with my limited reading this summer. It's all part of the joy of motherhood (and that's not sarcasm). I just get a little envious sometimes when I see people getting to do a bunch of deck reads. Your suggestions are great! But, I have one that isn't ready for DEAR, and he gets up with the sun so waking up early is out. All that being said, I worked for years and this is my first summer vacation too. It has been a learning experience.