How to Create a Peaceful Reading Moment When You're Alone with Multiple Kids

Why Reading Time Feels So Elusive When You're Parenting Solo

If you're caring for more than one child on your own, trying to create a quiet, shared moment to read together can feel like trying to fold laundry during a windstorm. The juggle is real: one child wants your undivided attention, another needs help finishing homework, and someone is bound to spill something the moment you sit down. Still, carving out a regular reading time can provide far more than just literacy-building—it can become a soothing ritual for everyone involved, including you.

Start with Realistic Expectations

It’s tempting to picture reading time as everyone cuddled up under a soft blanket, calmly engaged with a beautifully illustrated book. But when siblings are different ages, have different attention spans, or are in different emotional places, this idyllic moment rarely unfolds on its own. Instead of expecting perfection, decide what success looks like for you. Is it 15 minutes of quiet? Is it each child engaging with a book, even separately? Allow yourself grace and remember that consistency matters more than flawlessness.

Create a Reading Routine That Flexes, Not Fights

Rigid routines tend to snap under pressure, especially in single-parent households where every day might look a little different. Instead, aim for a rhythm. Perhaps after dinner, you dim the lights and signal that it's time to wind down with books or stories. The key is to repeat this rhythm often, so your children begin to associate it with calm and closeness.

One technique that can help is offering choice within structure. Let each child choose their own book or even their spot in the room. Some may want to lie on the couch; others might prefer a cozy pile of blankets.

Divide Your Attention Without Losing Your Sanity

Balancing multiple kids’ needs is always tricky during shared activities. If your children are close in age, they might enjoy the same story, especially if you bring it to life with voices or expression. But if their ages or interests vary, it may be worth rotating who gets to hear you read aloud each evening while others look through their own books or listen to an audiobook with headphones. Over time, children learn to value their special ‘reading night’ with you without feeling left out.

Sound overstimulating? It can be—but manageable sensory input is key. Some families find calm lighting, a familiar playlist, or even designated reading corners help reduce distractions. You can explore more ideas in our guide on helping your child unwind after a busy school day.

When Reading Aloud Just Isn’t Possible…

There will be nights when someone is sick, or you just need to finish the dishes before the mountain of laundry collapses. That’s okay. Don’t abandon the idea of reading altogether—this is where technology can gently fill the gap without becoming a screen battle. Consider audio solutions that keep the stories alive even when you can’t be the reader.

One resource some families appreciate is the LISN Kids App, which offers original audiobooks and audio series designed for kids aged 3–12. Whether your 10-year-old is into mysteries or your 6-year-old prefers gentle animal stories, there are age-appropriate options designed to hold attention and encourage imagination. You can find the app on iOS and Android.

Even if you’re just folding laundry nearby while the stories play, you’re still creating a shared moment that prioritizes story, imagination, and quiet togetherness.

Managing Sibling Dynamics Around Shared Activities

Of course, one of the hurdles to shared reading isn’t time—it’s sibling conflict. Who sits closest? Who picks the story? Why did someone turn the page too fast? These are the real-life moments that can turn a lovely plan into a chaotic one.

A helpful starting point is fostering cooperation through turn-taking and shared roles. For instance, let one child be the ‘page-turner’ or chapter selector, and rotate night to night. If things still regularly devolve into conflict, you’ll find grounded strategies in this article on managing sibling conflict with calm and confidence.

Make It Yours

Reading time doesn’t have to happen in a rocking chair or before bed. Some families find the morning rush surprisingly tolerable when it starts with a low-stimulation audiobook. Others find a weekend afternoon is their best bet—especially when post-custody transitions or school-related stress are in play. If your schedule feels random or unpredictable, take comfort in knowing that even small moments count. When reading becomes something your kids associate with warmth and closeness, it doesn’t matter if it happens at 7 PM or 7 AM.

For inspiration on weaving this kind of rhythm into your home environment, especially if you're a single parent, check out our post on creating a comforting home culture.

Let Reading Be Connection, Not Obligation

The most important thing is this: reading together—whether aloud, silently together, or via audio—is less about producing scholars than building bonds. On the hard days, skip the guilt. If the only thing your child remembers is your voice during their favorite book or that you always waited to start the next chapter until they were ready, that’s enough.

And if you’re still wondering what kind of stories will capture your child’s attention, we have a list of ways to find screen-free activities that truly engage kids’ imaginations.