The Busy Mom’s Guide to Reading More (Yes, Audiobooks Count!)
Remember when reading meant getting lost in a book instead of lost in a pile of laundry? This episode is for every mom who misses the joy of reading but can’t figure out how to squeeze it between snack requests and sock emergencies. Spoiler: Audiobooks count, and yes, fanfic totally counts too.
What You Get From This Episode
Audiobooks Are Legit (No, Really) – Ditch the guilt! Listening to books while folding laundry totally counts as "me time."
E-Readers to the Rescue – Adjust fonts, backgrounds, and even read in the dark (because bedtime is the only quiet time).
Short & Sweet Wins – Novellas and short stories for when your attention span matches your toddler’s.
Fanfic for the Win – Revisit familiar characters without committing to a 500-page novel.
Book Clubs & Body Doubling – Because sometimes you need peer pressure to finish a chapter.
Listen Here
Reading for Self-Care: Because Moms Deserve More Than Just Hot Coffee
Remember when reading felt like a cozy escape instead of another item on your to-do list? In our latest episode of How to Be a Grownup, we tackled how to reclaim reading as self-care—without the guilt, the pressure, or the 3 a.m. "I’ll just finish this chapter" lies.
The Struggle Is Real (But So Are the Solutions)
Let’s be honest: between snack emergencies and lost shoes, reading often falls to the bottom of a mom’s priority list. Add attention challenges (looking at you, ADHD) or the sheer exhaustion of processing words, and it’s no wonder books collect dust. But here’s the good news:
Audiobooks Count (Yes, Really)
"I inhaled so much glitter, my boogers look like disco balls." —Karen Walker (and also moms multitasking with audiobooks, probably).
Listen while folding laundry, commuting, or hiding in the pantry. Bonus: It’s oral storytelling—the oldest (and most mom-friendly) form of literature. And lots of moms swear by reading along with the audio recording.
E-Readers: Because Paper Cuts Hurt (And So Does Small Print)
Adjust fonts (shoutout to Open Dyslexic!), switch to dark mode, or zoom in like you’re investigating a suspicious stain.
No more hauling hardcovers in your diaper bag. Your Kindle fits between the wipes and the half-eaten granola bar.
Read What Actually Feels Good
Gone are the days of forcing yourself through "serious" novels. Maybe you can't read non-fiction true-crime books (RIP Michelle McNamara) anymore. And that's okay. If your brain wants cozy, low-stakes escapes, lean into it.
Try these:
Novellas & Short Stories
Perfect for when your attention span matches your toddler’s. "It’s a whole book—just tiny!" (Example: Ariella’s "bathtub reads.")
Fan Fiction
Revisit familiar characters (looking at you, Steve Rogers) without the mental load of learning new names. Pro tip: Avoid the NSFW corners of the internet.
Bonus: Fanfic is a great way to get reluctant readers to pick up a book. What's their favorite game? Or TV show? Chances are, there's a book to go along with that game or show.
Romance & Happy Endings
"I need to know everything turns out okay—even if there’s murder and mayhem," —Ariella, speaking for all of us in 2025.
Make It Social (Or Don’t)
Book Clubs: For when you need peer pressure to finish a chapter.
Silent Book Clubs: Go out to a local independent bookstore just to read near people—no small talk required. Make a night of it. Treat yo' self.
Self-Care Books We Actually Like
I mean, this whole episode is about reading for self-care. So... how about actually reading for self-care? Because sometimes you need a book to teach you how to take care of yourself again.
KC Davis’ How to Keep House While Drowning (for when your laundry pile is a metaphor).
Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion (because you’re harder on yourself than your kid is on their LEGO builds).
Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s Burnout (for women who are "tired" in their soul).
The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self Care: From A to Z by Anna Borges
Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Steven Hayes and Spencer Smith
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg
Set Boundaries Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
The Bottom Line
Reading for self-care isn’t about doing it "right"—it’s about finding what works for your chaotic, glitter-filled life. Whether it’s audiobooks during carpool or fanfic after bedtime, give yourself permission to enjoy it again.
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Make good choices,
Caitlin & Jenny
Who We Are
Caitlin & Jenny are best friends, educators, and moms who still Google "how to remove glitter from carpets." They’re here to help you adult—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor.
Ariella Monti is the author of *Roots In Ink,* a yoga instructor, and the biggest fan of Steve Rogers we know.
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