Mindful Reading: How Single Parents Can Enjoy a Book a Month

Hey there, it’s Mina!

Do you want to discover practical tips on how single parents can enjoy a book a month amidst a busy life? Join me, a mother of three and a certified holistic health coach, as I share accessible reading hacks and inspiring book recommendations to nurture your love for reading and improve your mental well-being.

Reading one book a month has become a cherished escape and a source of inspiration and personal development. The benefits of reading are immense, offering solace in a fictional world, insights from a self-help book, or new parenting strategies. It’s more than just turning pages; it’s about nurturing your mind, reducing stress, and enriching your life. For single parents, this can be a crucial tool for self-care and personal growth.

Here’s how you can start a habit of reading one book per month, even with a packed schedule.

How to Start with Mindful Reading

Choose the Right Book

• Opt for Engaging Genres: Pick books that genuinely interest you. Whether it’s fiction, self-help, or biographies, choosing something you’re excited about is vital. If you need help figuring out where to start, I will call you to read my selection about recommended books below.

• Consider Length: Start with shorter books to build the habit without feeling overwhelmed.

Set Realistic Goals

• Daily Reading Time: Aim to read for 15-20 minutes each day. You can do this during your child’s nap time, before bed, or commuting.

• Page Targets: Break down your book into daily page targets. For a 300-page book, reading ten pages a day will get you there in a month.

Create a Reading Routine

• Consistent Schedule: Integrate reading into your daily routine. Morning or evening routines work best for many parents.

Ready to take control of your schedule and make time for reading? Discover effective strategies for integrating reading into your routine in the article How to Time Block Like a Pro: Hacks for Working Parents. Learn how time blocking can help you carve out dedicated reading time each day and start your journey toward better time management here!

• Comfortable Space: Designate a cozy reading nook in your home, even if it’s just a comfy chair with good lighting.

Utilize Audiobooks

• On-the-Go Listening: Audiobooks are a fantastic option for busy parents. You can listen while walking, sitting in the park while your kids play, doing chores, or working out.

Are you curious how technology can further enhance your work-life balance? Discover nine tech hacks in this article to make your life easier and make more time for what matters most, including your favorite audiobooks.

Involve Your Kids

• Family Reading Time: Schedule a quiet time when everyone reads their books. Family reading will help instill a love for reading in your children. Go ahead and read 30 Weekend Activities with Kids and make the most of your weekends with these creative ideas!

• The Impact of Reading:
  • Cognitive Development: Enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
  • Emotional Bonding: Strengthens parent-child relationships through shared reading experiences.
  • Academic Performance: Regular reading leads to better educational outcomes and a lifelong love for learning.

Stay Accountable

• Join a Book Club: Online or local book clubs can provide valuable opportunities for social connection, emotional support, and mutual encouragement, helping to foster a stronger sense of belonging and resilience. Through shared reading and discussion, single parents can find camaraderie and inspiration, enhancing their personal growth and well-being.

• Track Your Progress: Use apps or a journal to log your reading progress and reflect on your favorite parts of the book.

Book Recommendations for Single Parents That Offer Guidance, Support, and Inspiration

1. “The Single Parent: Confident and Successful” by Kathlene Tracy. I recommend starting your reading journey with this book. At 176 pages, it’s less daunting and more accessible to fit into your busy schedule. This book provides practical advice and emotional support for single parents, focusing on building confidence and success. It covers various aspects of single parenting, including time management, discipline, and self-care.
2. “Going Solo: Hope and Healing for the Single Mom or Dad” by Robert Beeson. Written by a single father, this book shares personal stories and practical advice for navigating single parenthood. It emphasizes healing and finding hope while dealing with the unique challenges of being a single parent.
3. “Single Mothers by Choice: A Guidebook for Single Women Who Are Considering or Have Chosen Motherhood” by Jane Mattes. This book offers comprehensive guidance for women who are single by choice. It covers topics like insemination, adoption, and parenting strategies, providing valuable insights and support for single mothers.
4. “Single Parenting That Works: Six Keys to Raising Happy, Healthy Children in a Single-Parent Home” by Kevin Leman. Dr. Kevin Leman provides six critical principles for raising well-adjusted children in a single-parent household. The book offers practical advice on discipline, communication, and a stable home environment.
5. “The Single Parent’s Guide to Raising Godly Children” by Shae Cooke. This faith-based guide offers spiritual and practical support for single parents. It instills values and builds a strong family foundation through faith and guidance.
6. “The Single Mom’s Devotional: A Book of 52 Practical and Encouraging Devotions” by Carol Floch. This devotional provides weekly reflections and practical advice for single mothers. It’s designed to offer spiritual nourishment and encouragement throughout the year.
7. “Flying Solo: A Single Mom’s Guide to Navigating the Turbulence and Bliss of Life on Your Own” by Denise Hildreth Jones. This book combines personal stories, practical advice, and humor to help single moms navigate parenting. It covers topics like dating, finances, and personal growth.
8. “Raising Boys by Design: What the Bible and Brain Science Reveal About What Your Son Needs to Thrive” by Gregory L. Jantz and Michael Gurian. This book provides insights into raising boys, combining biblical principles and scientific research. It’s beneficial for single mothers raising sons, offering strategies for fostering emotional and intellectual growth.
9. “The Single Mom’s Survival Guide” by Patrice Karst. This book is directly aimed at single moms and provides practical advice, support, and inspiration for navigating the challenges of single motherhood.
10. “Inspirational Memoirs for Single Parents” by Michelle Obama. This book offers an inspiring story of resilience, strength, and her challenges as a single mother. Her journey can resonate with single parents and provide insightful reflections on identity, motherhood, and personal growth.
11. “Strong Mothers, Strong Sons” by Meg Meeker. This book delves into the unique bond between mothers and sons, offering guidance on raising confident, resilient boys as a single mother. It provides valuable insights into understanding and nurturing the emotional well-being of sons.

Most of these books are available on Amazon and Audible.

Accessible Reading Hacks

Have you read 35 Money-Saving Hacks for Single Parents? One money-saving hack is to use libraries extensively, borrow books, and attend free library workshops. In the following lines, I will try to show you how you can do it.

Libraries and Online Platforms

• Local Libraries: Check your library’s online catalog for e-books and audiobooks. Many libraries use services like OverDrive or Libby. Local libraries are treasure troves of free books, magazines, and audiobooks.

Many libraries also offer programs for children and parents, including Storytime sessions and reading challenges.

• E-Books: Digital books can be a cost-effective way to enjoy reading. Platforms like Project Gutenberg offer thousands of classic e-books for free. Additionally, many library systems partner with apps like Libby or Hoopla, allowing you to borrow e-books directly to your device.

• Local Book Exchanges: Look for local book exchanges or “little free libraries” in your neighborhood where you can take and leave books freely. These community initiatives promote sharing and can help you discover new titles without spending money.

• Community Programs: Check with local schools, nonprofits, or community centers for initiatives that distribute books to families. These programs often host events where families can pick up free books.
• Online platforms: Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble.
• Scribd: Offers a subscription service with access to an extensive library of e-books and audiobooks. Scribd
• Google Books: Provides previews and purchasing options for many titles. Google Books

As a whole, carving out time for reading can be a simple yet effective way to improve your mental well-being. By starting with a shorter book, you can build the habit of reading without feeling overwhelmed, gradually working your way up to longer and more complex reads. Setting realistic goals, choosing engaging books, and creating a consistent reading routine can make reading a cherished part of your daily life.

Remember, this journey is not just about turning pages but about nurturing your mind and soul, setting a positive example for your children, and finding moments of peace and joy amidst the hustle.

Happy reading!