Why Reading Is Essential for Every Mom

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I know, I know. Nobody, let alone a busy mom, wants to hear that there’s one more thing she should be cramming into her day. Especially when reading can appear to be a trivial thing you do in your spare time (what spare time??).

Trust me, this one is just as important as everything else you have to do.

No, you don’t have to do it every single day, although that would definitely be the best case scenario. But try for at least a few times a week and you will quickly see the benefits, even if you’re not much of a reader.

Reading is one more fantastic way to feed and nourish yourself, to recharge and take care of you.

Because if you aren’t taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of anyone else, either.

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How To Make Reading A Priority As A Mom

I know, finding time to read can be difficult as a mom.

If you’re having a hard time finding the time to sit down and read, or if you don’t particularly like reading, you might try getting your reading in with Audio books.

Audio books are great ways to listen to books on the go. You can listen to them anytime you’re driving, or while you’re washing dishes, or taking a shower.

Audio books are a great way to find large slots of time to get some reading in, while still getting other things done while you listen.

If you want to give this route a try, you can sign up for a free Audible trial and get your first two books for FREE!

Now, let’s talk about why reading is so important for moms.

Reading Teaches You and Helps You Grow

Whether you’re reading fiction or nonfiction, reading offers you the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual.

This is so important for anyone, but especially for moms, who give up most of their time to pour into their families. It’s so easy to spend all your time teaching your kids things that you forget to help yourself continue to learn.

I wholeheartedly believe that every person should do everything they can to continue to learn and grow throughout their lives, not just when they’re in school.

Too many people finish their degree or training and then assume they don’t have to keep learning. This attitude leads to a stagnant character and hinders maturity and personal growth.

Don’t let your kids be the only ones learning in your house. Make time to read so that you yourself can learn and grow.

Related: Tending Roses By Lisa Wingate (Book Review)

Reading Helps You Relax

Now, I realize this may not be true for everyone, but in the majority of cases I believe that reading can help you to relax and unwind.

There’s something about sitting down and enjoying a good book that helps you unwind. Fiction is especially good for this purpose.

In my opinion, there’s few things better than unwinding and getting lost in a great story.

It gives you a break from the day to day reality of dirty dishes, dirty diapers, kids running around and yelling, and everything else you have putting pressure on you.

Even if you don’t typically like to read, give it a try–you might find you like it after all!

Reading Helps You Become More Empathetic

I think this is very important for moms.

It’s so important for us to try to understand how our kids feel and where they’re coming from.

This is especially true when they are young and haven’t learned to self analyze their feelings, thoughts, actions, and emotions yet. Reading is an easy way to give you a leg up on understanding your kids and others.

Trying to understand kids can be tough, but the more empathetic you become the easier it is to get inside their little heads.

When you read, you view the story through another character’s eyes. This allows you to see how someone else might feel and react to a given situation.

The more you read the more point of views you get to experience, and the more you can begin to understand personalities you might not currently ‘get’.

Plus, this also helps you be more empathetic with adults as well, which is an added bonus.

Related: Life After by Katie Ganshert: A Book Review

Reading For Yourself Peeks Your Kids’ Interest

I think we can all agree that reading is very good for kids.

When you read for yourself, you help your kids to get interested in reading too.

They can easily see that you think reading is fun too, and will be more interested in trying it themselves.

This fosters independent reading for kids, as well as making them more interested in reading with you. Win win!

Related: Her One and Only: Book Review

What do you like most about reading? What’s your favorite kind of book to read? Let me know in the comments below, or tag me on Instagram with a picture of your favorite book!