Feel like reading is a luxury you don’t have time for? Between parenting, work, and a never-ending to-do list, curling up with a book can feel impossible. But what if reading didn’t have to be one more thing on your plate—and instead became a simple way to recharge, de-stress, and set an inspiring example for your kids?
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure ways to bring reading back into your life. From audiobooks and micro-reading to modeling healthy habits for your kids, this episode is your permission slip to make time for you—no guilt required.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why reading is a form of self-care (and why that matters!)
✔ How your reading habits influence your child’s relationship with books
✔ Time-saving tips for fitting reading into your busy schedule
✔ Smart ways to break out of a reading slump
✔ How to model a love of reading—even in the middle of chaos
⏳ Key Episode Highlights
[00:00:57] Why reading for yourself is essential self-care
[00:01:56] How your reading habits influence your kids
[00:03:55] Reading helps you reconnect with your identity
[00:04:16] Simple ways to fit in 10–15 minutes of reading a day
[00:04:56] How audiobooks can transform your day
[00:06:13] Breaking out of a reading slump with fresh strategies
[00:08:41] Personal story: how modeling reading boosted Ellen’s son’s interest
[00:10:28] Make reading feel rewarding, not like another task
[00:11:49] Sneak peek at next week’s episode
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/05/01/how-to-read-as-a-busy-mom/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/d2y4hSYomGU
✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
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It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
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