One of the most helpful routines I’ve added to our day is a daily quiet time.
Do your kids still nap? None of mine do (except, of course, the baby). Every mom grieves the end of naptime! But with the introduction of a daily quiet time, you can still have the benefits of naptime, even with bigger and older kids.
Quiet Time
Especially in the first couple of years after having a baby, I need a guaranteed, solid block of time to rest, to have peace and quiet around the house. Children also need quiet time for healthy brain development. (Source.) They need a break from their siblings, time to think and read quietly, to settle down, and to rest.
How to Do Quiet Time.
The concept is simple:
From 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the kids are required to stay in their beds and rest. They may read or sleep if they like, or play quietly with toys. No electronics allowed. And for siblings who share a room, no talking.
Interestingly, the two oldest seem to love quiet time the most, and often stay in their rooms for closer to 2 hours. Sometimes a non-napping child will fall asleep.
When a child is nearly outgrowing a nap (but still clearly needs the rest!), quiet time is a great tool. Otherwise, a situation like this happens. 🙂
The kids sometimes complain about it, but they still comply.
To help them out, you can offer a little treat/snack as a reward for staying in their rooms and doing quiet time.
Perhaps after quiet time is over, you can brew a nice pot of tea (Roobios
I’ve definitely noticed a positive change in the kids since implementing quiet time – they seem to enjoy having a little break from one another. The introverts need a break from interaction, and the extroverts need a break from their own high energy!
The rest and quiet are good for their mood. They aren’t as hyper before bedtime due to overfatigue. For me, quiet time is a wonderful example of positive, gentle discipline. It prevents problems before they start, provides structure, and helps the children be their best.
During the homeschool year, I plan on having the older kids read or journal during quiet time. They may be finishing up their schoolwork at that time, but it will be something “light” and enjoyable.
Do you have quiet time at your house? How do you enforce it and what benefits do you notice?
Tiffany says
July 20, 2010 at 4:21 pmNope, but I sure wish I did!!! My 4 year old is really going through a needy period and I can barely get a break from blah, blah, blah all day long. 😉
Candi says
August 30, 2010 at 7:00 pmI couldn’t survive without quiet time. I was never a “napper” until I started working early morning hours. Now I need it or I’m super grouchy.
Do you find Sadie staying up later when she takes a nap? Haylei has trouble falling asleep at night whens he has a nap during the day. However, she seems much happier when she has a nap. I’m torn completely on whether to let her sleep or not.
carrie says
August 31, 2010 at 8:12 am@Candi – no in fact I think Sadie fights bedtime less when she naps. every kid is different though. now she often only rests instead of falling asleep, but either way it helps with the evening grouchies. 🙂