Here is a question from an ABCJLM Family member: Just saw the sample daily routines on the ABCJLM website but what exactly is room time & how do you get a busy toddler on board? This is a really good question! While the answer will differ between moms, here are some points to help get you started. In our home, Peanut is in his room between 1:00 and 3:00 each afternoon. And on the weekends our elementary-aged children do the same. We call this nap time, quiet time, or room time depending on the age of the child. While the youngest one sleeps, the older kids can play or read quietly. They have done this from a very young age so quiet time is the norm. But, if you do not currently have a set quiet time built into your daily schedule, it can be a little tricky to instill. So, before we get into the "how," let's discuss the why. Why Quiet Time is Important: - Children need a time set aside each day for quiet activity and naps. Playing is exhausting work. Room time gives the child the chance to rest and refuel. - Mommy needs a break. This is a great time for mommy to refresh as well. She can clean, catch up on various items, do laundry, have a lengthy quiet time, read, shower, attend to a job, or simply take a nap. - Room time trains the child to entertain herself. This is key to your child's imagination and self-discipline. How Does Quiet Time Work? - Before you begin, decide in your mind what you want quiet time to look like. Keep in mind each of your children's personalities and abilities. What are you expectations? Think with the end in mind. In our home, the key to quiet time is that the children must stay in their rooms and do an activity quietly. - Think of the process like a mini bedtime. A routine is necessary to prepare the child. I begin quiet time by reading Peanut a book. This makes quiet time a fun, relaxing time that he and I look forward to. Just me and his on his bed. - Have a basket of toys (for non-nappers) that is only played with during nap time. - My kids like to listen to music, CD's of the Bible being read, or Adventures in Odyssey (for the older ones). - Give the child a visual so he knows when quiet time is over. A light comes on, music begins/stops, you open his bedroom door. The visual helps stop the "Can I get up now?" question. (I also suggest this for morning wake-up time.) - Just as with bedtime, don't stray from the rules - the child is to stay in the room and play quietly or nap. Don't let one more drink or seven bathroom trips become a habit. Train the child so that she knows the expectations and then hold the boundaries firm. - Optional Quiet-Time Toys Blocks Legos Coloring Books - The Color Wonder markers and books are great because the markers only write on the specific books. Picture Books Cars with Car Mat Dolls, Barbies, Polly Pockets - If you have a child who has to be watched all of the time, try a baby gate in the doorway. This allows you to peak in on the child's activities. Another option is to saw the door in half. Then you can close the bottom half and peak through the top. (No, I have not actually done this but a friend of mine did. She took the doors to Lowe's to have them cut in two.) Quiet time is a win-win situation for everyone involved. I highly suggest and you will too if you are consistent and make it happen. This post contains affiliate links.
Parents are losing a margin of rest in their own lives. Making a quiet time for younger kids in the midst of busy days becomes foundational.
A daily quiet time in the afternoon is so good for kids. Time for them to be bored, time to think, be still, and be creative. This post also shares tips to getting started and how to make it successful for your whole family!
My boys were both 18 months when the napping stopped. I was not too thrilled about this because this was MY quiet time, and it was JUST GONE!
Quiet time is a lifestyle habit that can bring more balance to your home life. For toddlers, older kids, and the whole family!
Fortunately, it is possible to promote a healthy environment to increase the attention span of your boys which will be more conducive for learning.
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If there is one thing I know, it is busy boys. Trust me on this one. I have two of the busiest little people you have ever seen. Which, of course, is one of the reasons I am also a self-made expert on Quiet Time. As you may know, I wrote a bit about the
Having quiet bags can make church or any place you need your child to be quiet a lot easier. Here's my 5 tips to making it work.
Do we have any “Captain Scratchy” fans here? We’re sure we do! If this is your first time encountering Chuck Ingwersen's work, you'll want to catch up on the earlier comics by this artist that we featured in our previous Bored Panda posts.
Look for these 6 signs if you are asking yourself when do kids stop napping? Plus, tips to transition your child to quiet time so they get the time to recharge and so do you.
Getting your child to play independently is easier than you think! Learn all about playtime lengths along with tips for making Independent Playtime a success.
