How Busy Moms Can Find Time to Read: No Guilt Tips for Reclaiming Your Reading Life Artwork

Engaging Reluctant Readers

Tired of the nightly reading battles? Struggling to get your child to open a book because they refuse to read at all costs? Maybe they can read but just don’t want to, or perhaps they struggle with the basics, making reading feel frustrating and exhausting. Or maybe books just can’t compete with screens, sports, or other distractions. No matter the reason, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not failing as a parent.

Welcome to Engaging Reluctant Readers—the podcast for book-loving moms raising reluctant readers. Hosted by Ellen Westbrook, a Literacy Coach (and recovering reluctant reader herself!), this show is here to help you transform your child’s reading journey from dread to must-be read and rediscover family reading fun along the way.

As a mom of two high-energy boys with a degree in Elementary Education, Ellen gets it—the frustration, the worry, and the endless search for ways to make books click for your child. She’s here to bridge the gap between your love of reading and your kiddo’s resistance, helping you understand why they struggle and, more importantly, what actually works.

You won’t find complicated reading strategies or one-size-fits-all advice here. Instead, Ellen shares real-life strategies that fit into your busy days and make reading feel fun instead of forced. From creative ways to build stamina, confidence, and reading skills to strategies that make books more engaging and spark a genuine love of reading, every episode is designed to help you make real progress—without the fights, tears, or frustration.

Each episode is under 30 minutes, packed with actionable tips, and released every Thursday—so you can get quick wins without adding more to your already-full plate.

Because reading should feel fun, not like a chore—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.

Hit follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode, and let’s rediscover family reading fun—together!

All Episodes

Engaging Reluctant Readers

How Busy Moms Can Find Time to Read: No Guilt Tips for Reclaiming Your Reading Life

May 01, 2025 • Ellen Westbrook • Season 1 • Episode 6

Feel like reading is a luxury you don’t have time for? Between parenting, work, and a never-ending to-do list, curling up with a book can feel impossible. But what if reading didn’t have to be one more thing on your plate—and instead became a simple way to recharge, de-stress, and set an inspiring example for your kids?

In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares practical, low-pressure ways to bring reading back into your life. From audiobooks and micro-reading to modeling healthy habits for your kids, this episode is your permission slip to make time for you—no guilt required.

What You’ll Learn:

✔ Why reading is a form of self-care (and why that matters!)
✔ How your reading habits influence your child’s relationship with books
✔ Time-saving tips for fitting reading into your busy schedule
✔ Smart ways to break out of a reading slump
✔ How to model a love of reading—even in the middle of chaos

⏳ Key Episode Highlights
[00:00:57] Why reading for yourself is essential self-care
[00:01:56] How your reading habits influence your kids
[00:03:55] Reading helps you reconnect with your identity
[00:04:16] Simple ways to fit in 10–15 minutes of reading a day
[00:04:56] How audiobooks can transform your day
[00:06:13] Breaking out of a reading slump with fresh strategies
[00:08:41] Personal story: how modeling reading boosted Ellen’s son’s interest
[00:10:28] Make reading feel rewarding, not like another task
[00:11:49] Sneak peek at next week’s episode

📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/05/01/how-to-read-as-a-busy-mom/

📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/d2y4hSYomGU

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