Quiet Time for Mommy

Here's one of our boxes. You may want to label it "Quiet Time Box" for older ones so they don't feel like it's too "babyish".

Some things to place in your box.These are just a few of our items.

We love this American Girl book with TONS of quiet time activities to do.

Every mother needs some quiet time right? Well, we have a Quiet Time every afternoon and it's been a lifesaver. I have to say that I disagree with moms that say, "My child has outgrown naps." This usually happens between the ages of 3-5 where children don't need an official nap (sleeping). I can't say that for my own children. I have a 3 1/2 year-old who still sleeps everyday for at least 2 hours and goes to bed before 8:00 p.m. I also have an almost 2-year-old who naps as well. However, when they do reach the age of not sleeping during our naptime, we'll transfer them to "Quiet Time". This year, I have been caring for a second grader and kindergardener after school each day and they have done great with having a Quiet Time (the kindergardener actually sleeps most of the time too). Children need a break during the day. I'm convinced! They are "go, go, go" all day long and need an hour to relax and have some alone time. Even adults need a little Siesta here and there (especially pregnant mommys!).

"So what do I keep in my Quiet Time Box?" you may be asking. Let me give you some ideas that we've used:

- crayons/markers if you trust them. Make sure your child doesn't get the bright idea of coloring on something they're not supposed to though...this could be recipe for disaster! My mom told me a story of when I was a toddler and colored all over my bedroom wall with a permanent marker. Not cool.

- coloring books/paper to color on

- books to look at or read

- word searches/crossword puzzles

- a deck of cards (you could teach your child to play Solitare if they're old enough)

- "Where's Waldo?" search books

- activity books that are educational

- puzzles (make sure there's a flat surface to work on)

- Other craft books...try Tear Up This Book from American Girl. Make sure that there's a stash of craft supplies in the box so the child isn't constantly coming out of their quiet time and asking you for supplies. I keep tape, crayons, scissors, a bottle of glue and a few other odds and ends in a bag for this purposed. Also, make sure that if they're going to be doing a craft that you provide a little tray table or something with a hard surface for them to work on.

- drawing/tracing books where they teach you the step-by-step process for drawing objects

- flashlight

- give your child an assignment such as writing and illustrating their own book

- A notebook for journaling. You can also do this back and forth from mom to child writing down thoughts, questions/answers, etc. I've heard that this can be a great communication builder between parents and kids and as parents, you could get them to open up more about topics they may not feel as comfortable coming to you face-to-face on.

* The Quiet Time Box is only to be used during Quiet Time so that it's special and they look forward to using the materials each day only at that time.

"Where can my child have Quiet Time?" - Quiet Time can be in an assortment of places. I highly suggest that you keep it in a bed for younger ones, especially if they're prone to still falling asleep (up to 5 yrs.) and for older ones, you could be really creative and use a tent in an area of the house where Mom isn't working or having her quiet time. We've even used the bathtub, yes the bathtub! We stocked it with fluffy comforters and lots of pillows. I've had kids fight before over who gets the tub believe it or not. It's even more fun when you close the shower curtain and use little lighting, like a campout (a flashlight can be fun here). You could also just find a comfy spot on the carpet to put lots of blankets and pillows. It's fun when you have a tight spot between furniture. You could even drape a sheet over the top for a "tent-like" feel. =) Be creative and have fun!

Give this a try and let me know how your Quiet Time works!! I'd love to know what ages you try this with and some other ideas of how you've stocked your box.