017 | How to Read More Books as a Toddler Mom
& Why You Need a Kindle
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Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about hobbies. Reading is such a wonderful hobby—one that actually enriches your life. But it seems like we have a skewed perception of hobbies in today’s world.
The other day, my husband stumbled across a video where people were ranking “red flag hobbies.” At the top of the list was going to bars and clubbing.
Wait, what? Is that a hobby? Another one listed was gossiping. Again, not a hobby. I was so baffled that I looked up the definition of a hobby:
Something one does in their leisure time for pleasure.
Technically, you could argue that sitting around gossiping or scrolling social media is a hobby, but I find that heartbreaking. When I think of a hobby, I think of creating something, doing something with my hands, or contributing positively to the world. Something that helps me grow as a person.
And honestly, I’ve always felt a little awkward when people ask me what my hobbies are. I usually freeze up and draw a blank. But who knew? This whole time I could’ve been saying, “My hobby is doomscrolling.” Yikes.
Enrich Your Life With Reading
If you want a hobby that you’re proud to share with others, reading is a perfect choice. It not only stretches your mind but also gives you something meaningful to talk about.
Reading is especially great for moms because it fits into the cracks of motherhood so well. I’m not always able to pull out a big project, bake something fun, or get outside to garden—especially during winter. But I can almost always squeeze in a few pages of a good book.
Plus, I want my kids to see me reading. I want them to grow up understanding the value of books and developing a love for reading themselves. And as a bonus, I get to keep learning and growing.
Why You Need a Kindle
I’ve fallen in love with reading on my Kindle, and I’ll tell you why.
Less clutter. I don’t want to store a ton of books or worry about them getting ripped and touched by sticky toddler fingers. With a Kindle, I have everything I want to read in one compact device.
I don’t have to play favourites. I remember the days of packing six or seven paperbacks for a week-long trip because I didn’t know how much I’d read. Or even carting 3 books around the house because I wanted to start with a chapter of my Bible, a chapter of a nonfiction book and then read fiction. Now, I can switch between books as I please on my Kindle.
Ideal for nighttime reading. I love being able to read in bed without turning on a bright light. I set the backlight to level one, which makes it perfect for night feedings or winding down while my husband sleeps next to me
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a Kindle, I highly recommend it. I was worried I’d miss the feeling of holding a real book, but I got over that thought quickly and haven’t looked back!
Kindle Unlimited
Another reason I love my Kindle is Kindle Unlimited. It’s about $11 a month here in Canada, and I can read as many books as I want that are included in the program. I usually read 6 to 8 books a month, so I’m saving a ton of money by using Kindle Unlimited instead of buying individual books.
Fun fact: You can even read my Devotional for moms Bible Time Take Back on your Kindle for just $2.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited!
What do I read?
When it comes to what I like to read, I enjoy a wide variety. I love nonfiction that teaches me something or helps me improve my life. (I talked about 12 life-changing books in Episode 5 of the podcast.) But I also love winding down with a good fiction book—especially a cheesy love story.
About a year ago, I began feeling convicted about the types of books I was reading. I had been reading whatever free love stories I could find on Kindle Unlimited, but I realized they were leaving me angry and frustrated. Many of them had no positive message and often included content I didn’t want to read.
I switched to reading mostly Christian fiction. While the love stories might still be a little idealistic, they usually have a faith-based message that uplifts me. I leave those books feeling encouraged, not annoyed.
My Favorite Christian Fiction Authors
Lately, I’ve been exploring a lot of Christian fiction, especially on Kindle Unlimited. Some of my favorites include:
Karen Kingsbury – I remember my mom reading her books when I was a kid, and now I’m loving them too. Many of her series are available on Kindle Unlimited.
Valerie M. Bodden – I just discovered her recently and have been enjoying her work. She even contributed to a series called Love on Sanctuary Island, where each book is written by a different Christian fiction author.
If you have any favourite Christian fiction authors or book recommendations, let me know in the comments! I’m always looking for new reads.
How I Make Time to Read
I know what you’re thinking—how do I have time to read so much with little ones at home? Honestly, it’s all about priorities. I’ve learned that when something is important to me, I make time for it.
Here are a few things I don’t do that give me more time to read:
1. I Don’t Use Social Media
I quit social media about a year ago, thinking it would be temporary, but I loved life without it so much that I never went back. Most recently, I even disabled YouTube on my phone because I was getting stuck watching Shorts.
Since cutting out social media, my days feel so much longer—in the best way. I have time for the things I actually want to do, like reading.
2. I Don’t Watch TV in the Evenings
We don’t even have a TV set up in our living room right now. Without the temptation of TV in the evenings, I’m free to spend that time reading.
3. I Don’t Stress About a Perfectly Managed Home
My home is clean and functional, but I don’t obsess over every little detail. I let go of perfectionism so that I can use my energy for things that matter more. I talk more about this in Episode 4 How to Stop Hating Laundry.
4. I Don’t Overpack Our Schedule
We usually have two or three outings per week, which leaves plenty of time to rest, read, and enjoy time at home. I talk more about making time to rest as a mom in Episode 9.
Tips for Getting Back into Reading
If you’ve been struggling to get back into reading, here are a few tips:
Start with something fun and easy. Don’t dive into heavy nonfiction. Pick a lighthearted story or even a childhood favorite to ease back in.
Set a timer. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and commit to reading during that time. Slowly increase the time as it gets easier.
Limit distractions. The hardest part of reading these days is getting off your phone. Try putting your phone in another room while you read.
The more you practice focusing on a book, the easier it will become. And if you’re reading something really good, you might even prefer it over TV or scrolling!
Moms need life-giving hobbies
As moms, we need hobbies that fill our cups and enrich our souls. Reading is a hobby that fits beautifully into the life of a busy mom. Plus, it’s something positive we can model for our kids.
I hope this post inspires you to pick up a book or continue reading whatever’s already on your nightstand. And if you’re looking for ideas, don’t forget to check out Bible Time Take Back and my list of 12 life-changing books in Episode 5.
What have you been reading lately? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
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