If you’re a parent, especially a parent of young children, you know how hard it is to fit in time for reading. Even those of us who were voracious readers pre-baby can fall victim to the chaos of parenthood and deprioritize time with books.

I get it. There’s no judgement here.

Full transparency: I used to read 120+ books a year. Now I’m lucky if I get through one a month. But even though my monthly totals don’t hit the double digits anymore, I still get immense enjoyment from reading—and I’ve found a few key ways to make sure it stays part of my life.

Here are my tips for fitting more reading into a busy parenting schedule:

Try audiobooks during routine tasks.

This is by far my #1 strategy. I listen to audiobooks while folding laundry, vacuuming, getting ready in the morning—really anytime I’m doing something that doesn’t require too much brainpower.

(And don’t listen to the haters. Audiobooks are reading.)

Make it part of your child’s routine.

Do you have quiet time in the afternoon or before bed where your child looks at books or reads? Or could you? That could be your reading time, too!

I once read a parenting article (apologies I can’t remember where), that suggested holding a family reading session after dinner. I thought this sounded fabulous! My kids are little so these opportunities are shorter in duration. But every minute counts.

Always have a book within reach.

Keep a paperback in your purse or car for those unexpected reading opportunities. Better yet, use apps like Libby or Hoopla to read or listen right from your phone (because let’s be honest, that’s always nearby).

Don’t be afraid to ditch a book you’re not into.

I used to force myself to finish every book I started and the ones I didn’t enjoy were always a slog. That kind of reading can make you less likely to pick up a book at all.

Consider this your permission to quit. There are millions of books out there—you’ll find the one that clicks.

Mood read.

Choose books based on how you’re feeling. Want an escape? Try fantasy or sci-fi. Curious about a topic? Find a non-fiction book on the issue. Need something light? Go for a feel-good novel like a romantic comedy.

Whatever you choose, if a book matches your mood, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Read short books.

This tip is partly mental. Shorter books can feel more manageable. And, finishing one can give you a sense of momentum. Before you know it, a snowball effect takes place and you’re on a reading roll.

Swap screen time for reading time.

This is probably the hardest tip, but also the most effective.

Instead of scrolling your phone during those “in-between” moments, try opening a reading app instead. I moved my reading apps to my home screen and pushed social media to the back. Now I have a visual cue as soon as I unlock my phone.

Scrolling is a hard habit to break. But the benefits go beyond reading.

Reading may look different in this chapter of life, and that’s ok. You’re still a reader! A few pages here, a chapter there—it all adds up. Richmond Public Library is always here to support you, no matter your reading needs.