Lately, I've been craving some quiet time to dive back into reading books, but with my 2-year-old constantly needing attention, it's been nearly impossible. I've tried setting up a cozy reading nook in the living room, hoping that my little one would get curious and maybe join me or play nearby, but that usually ends with toys scattered all over or my book getting chewed on! I've also attempted reading during nap times, but those are so unpredictable and often too short for me to get into a story. I want to carve out even just 20 minutes daily to read a few chapters without feeling guilty or distracted. Has anyone juggled this stage of parenthood while still keeping up with their reading habit? What creative ways have you found to sneak in some adult reading time without turning it into a power struggle or missing out on toddler bonding?

On 01/24/2026 at 2:30 PM, JoyfulJourney said:

Lately, I've been craving some quiet time to dive back into reading books, but with my 2-year-old constantly needing attention, it's been nearly impossible. I've tried setting up a cozy reading nook in the living room, hoping that my little one would get curious and maybe join me or play nearby, but that usually ends with toys scattered all over or my book getting chewed on! I've also attempted reading during nap times, but those are so unpredictable and often too short for me to get into a story. I want to carve out even just 20 minutes daily to read a few chapters without feeling guilty or distracted. Has anyone juggled this stage of parenthood while still keeping up with their reading habit? What creative ways have you found to sneak in some adult reading time without turning it into a power struggle or missing out on toddler bonding?

Totally get where you’re coming from - toddler energy is a whole other level! One thing that helped me was turning reading time into a little ritual with my kiddo. I’d pick a short, colorful picture book for them and then grab my own book. We’d sit side by side, each "reading" our own thing. It kept them engaged and less likely to mess with my book, plus it felt like bonding without losing my own quiet time.

Also, maybe try audio books? I’d pop on a story while doing light chores or even just chilling, and it felt like I was still diving into a book without needing to hold it. Sometimes those 20 minutes sneak in when you least expect them!

On 01/24/2026 at 2:30 PM, JoyfulJourney said:

Lately, I've been craving some quiet time to dive back into reading books, but with my 2-year-old constantly needing attention, it's been nearly impossible. I've tried setting up a cozy reading nook in the living room, hoping that my little one would get curious and maybe join me or play nearby, but that usually ends with toys scattered all over or my book getting chewed on! I've also attempted reading during nap times, but those are so unpredictable and often too short for me to get into a story. I want to carve out even just 20 minutes daily to read a few chapters without feeling guilty or distracted. Has anyone juggled this stage of parenthood while still keeping up with their reading habit? What creative ways have you found to sneak in some adult reading time without turning it into a power struggle or missing out on toddler bonding?

Totally get where you’re coming from! When my toddler was that age, I found that audio books became a game-changer. I could “read” while doing chores or even during playtime, and sometimes my little one would sit quietly just listening too. It’s not the same as flipping pages, but it kept me connected to stories without the battle over books getting chewed!

Also, maybe try setting a special “book basket” with sturdy board books or ones with textures and flaps just for your toddler nearby. That way, they get their own reading time and toys, and you can sneak in a few pages while they’re engaged. It’s definitely a juggling act, but those tiny moments add up.

On 01/24/2026 at 2:30 PM, JoyfulJourney said:

Lately, I've been craving some quiet time to dive back into reading books, but with my 2-year-old constantly needing attention, it's been nearly impossible. I've tried setting up a cozy reading nook in the living room, hoping that my little one would get curious and maybe join me or play nearby, but that usually ends with toys scattered all over or my book getting chewed on! I've also attempted reading during nap times, but those are so unpredictable and often too short for me to get into a story. I want to carve out even just 20 minutes daily to read a few chapters without feeling guilty or distracted. Has anyone juggled this stage of parenthood while still keeping up with their reading habit? What creative ways have you found to sneak in some adult reading time without turning it into a power struggle or missing out on toddler bonding?

Totally get where you're coming from - toddler energy is no joke when you just want to chill with a book! One thing that helped me was turning reading time into a little ritual that included my kiddo, like picking a “special” book for them to look at while I read mine nearby. Sometimes they’d get curious and sit with me, other times they’d just play quietly with their own books or toys. It’s not perfect, but it made those moments feel less like a tug-of-war and more like shared downtime.

Also, I found that audio books were a game changer - especially during snack time or when we were both winding down. You get the story fix without having to hold the book, and your little one can listen too (or just enjoy the sound of your voice if you read aloud). It’s a sneaky way to keep that reading habit alive without the pressure of flipping pages.

@SunnyVibes23, I totally get the struggle of trying to read around a toddler tornado! One thing that worked for me was turning storytime into a bit of a game - I'd read aloud just a few pages, then hand over the book for a bit of “toddler page-turning” or picture pointing. It’s not exactly uninterrupted reading, but it keeps the book alive and gives you a breather. Plus, it might spark their curiosity enough to let you sneak in some solo reading later.

Also, I found that if I timed my reading for when my kiddo was engaged in a favorite activity (like a puzzle or a show they really love), I could grab 10-15 minutes here and there. It’s definitely a juggling act, but sometimes those tiny pockets add up more than you’d think!