by Crystal Shimo

Created on: August 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 10, 2009

I turn the table lamp on, setting back in my most comfortable chair. I put my feet on the ottoman, crossing my ankles and turning slightly to the right so that my knees are slightly bent and I'm resting on my hip. Pulling the book toward me, I open to the first page, expecting to be taken to a far off land, or across the state lines. Just as I read the first word, I hear "MOMMY, I WANT A DRINK!"

It never fails, every time I try to sit down and read, write, or anything that takes a lot of concentration, one of my children find a way to need me. They don't ask for Daddy, except on rare occasions, they always seem to ask for Mommy. As much as I appreciate the fact that I am needed, and they care about and trust me so much that they ask for me the majority of the time when something is wanted or needed, it does get frustrating when I am trying to get some time to myself.

My mistake is that I sit down to read in obvious places where my children know I can be reached and can easily get them what they need or want, like the living room, or the dining room. If you have no children, those are good places to read, but with kids, they know you can easily be bothered there.

A good place to read is the bedroom. If you have a chaise lounge or an overstuffed chair, I would personally put those in the bedroom to use as reading chairs. For those who have studies, or offices in their homes, those are good places to read as well with little or no interruption.

For those who have kids, arranging for a babysitter, or for the other parent to watch the children, allows you to go to the library, which is always an excellent place to read. The majority of public libraries have couches or chairs that allow the patron to read in peace. There are also cubicles in a lot of libraries as well, if you wanted to have privacy to read or research something.

Some people are able to just sit down, read anywhere, and get interrupted without getting frustrated. Most people I know, including myself and my husband, get sucked into a book when they really want to read, and therefore, need a place where they will be uninterrupted for a long period of time. It is difficult, but it can be done. Time alone is a necessary stress reliever. And reading is a good way to spend some time alone.

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