This is where audio books come in. Love them. They make every task more enjoyable - including watching soccer games.

I call that kind of parenting “benign neglect” and I am a HUGE proponent of it. Letting them be while you’re around. Also called the potted plant parenting style.

Doesn’t count if you’re on your phone but if you can find something else to do- like tidying or laundry or… even better!!! Reading?! That’s such a huge win.

The kids see you doing something enjoyable for yourself. They equate reading with pleasure. You read to them a lot I bet too. You’re there if they want to engage with you/need you, but they’re learning to problem solve and be happy without constant adult attention.

Love all this. (And the PP who said she goes to P&P even now with her teen son and they read and eat together… how awesome).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Audio books can enable you to multi task. Listen while you do chores, make dinner or commute.

This is exactly why I do audio books. I love to have a physical book in my hand but that's just not feasible for me currently. Folding laundry, cleaning up after dinner, working out etc. are much more pleasant when listening to a good book!

Ugh I loathe audio books. Way too slow and I don’t want to hear someone else speaking, I want to just read it. I read next to my kids or sometimes while they are playing, if I don’t have immediate chores. Also after they’re in bed, and while commuting on metro. They are 7 and 10. 3 years ago I definitely read less as they needed a lot more immediate attention. Now I go to the library at least once a week to exchange books for me and the kids. It’s great.

I listen to podcasts and books at 1.75 speed. It really helps with “the slowness” factor. I listen to 3-4 books a week this way (in addition to reading).

Anonymous wrote:I usually read before bed.

RE: your husband's comment - I would try to make sure both of you have equal amounts of "free" time so there's no resentment. But if you're on child duty while reading, I don't think that counts as free time.

I read when I’m on child duty. When I’m not on child duty I’m showering or cooking or sleeping.

I read in a camping chair while they ride bikes. I lay on their bed and read while they do legos. I read in the rocking chair while they play trains. I engage and answer questions but I’m reading. Better than scrolling my phone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Audio books can enable you to multi task. Listen while you do chores, make dinner or commute.

This is exactly why I do audio books. I love to have a physical book in my hand but that's just not feasible for me currently. Folding laundry, cleaning up after dinner, working out etc. are much more pleasant when listening to a good book!

Ugh I loathe audio books. Way too slow and I don’t want to hear someone else speaking, I want to just read it. I read next to my kids or sometimes while they are playing, if I don’t have immediate chores. Also after they’re in bed, and while commuting on metro. They are 7 and 10. 3 years ago I definitely read less as they needed a lot more immediate attention. Now I go to the library at least once a week to exchange books for me and the kids. It’s great.

Regarding the “too slow” part, all of the apps let you kick up the speed. For most books, 1.5x is actually the “normal” speak of natural speech. I listing at 1.75-2.5 depending on the narrator.