How to Implement Quiet Time

So, your kid is no longer napping, now what? 

Not only have you lost your quiet time, but your child is probably struggling a bit, too.  The solution is Quiet Time!  This is a time for them to relax and play independently of you.  A time for them to recharge, because although they may not need a nap any longer, they still need some down time to rest their bodies and minds. 

The idea of implementing Quiet Time may seem daunting, but I have a plan to make it go smoothly!   

PS- Wondering if it’s time for your child to drop their nap and move on to Quiet Time?  Check out my blog post here!

Prepare your child ahead of time

This isn’t something you want to just spring on your child one day, it is going to be a big change for them!  Prepare them ahead of time by starting to talk about the transition about a week prior.  Every day, explain to them that instead of napping/their normal afternoon activity, they will be playing something quietly in their room, by themselves.  Make this exciting for them.  You can even role play Quiet Time together, or pretend with their stuffed animals.

Start with small increments of time, give praise at the end

The amount of time that you start with will depend on the personality of your child.  If they are already good at independent play, you may be able to start with 20 minutes.  If they have a hard time playing on their own, you may need to start with 10 minutes at first.  Every few days, add 5 minutes to the length of quiet time.  Your goal will be an hour of quiet time.

Have a realistic goal in mind when you start.  If you think that your child will only be able to accomplish 15 minutes of quiet time at first, start there.  Don’t set the goal any higher than that.  You want something easily attainable for your child, so they can feel like they have accomplished something at the end, instead of feeling discouraged.  This will ultimately make it easier for you to increase time after a few days.

Set a timer

Many kids who are doing Quiet Time aren’t at an age where they can tell time.  They need a visual reminder.  By setting a timer, you have given them a visual goal to achieve.   You can use whatever timer you have available to you already.  Kitchen timers work great, especially the kind that you wind, since they can actually see the amount of time decreasing.  I also love kitchen timers because you can get your child involved in the process, asking them to wind to the appropriate amount of time. 

You can also use a toddler clock.  There are different kinds of toddler clocks, and any of them will work for Quiet Time.  My favorite kind is one that changes colors, such as a Hatch or Mella.  You can set the clock to turn your child’s choice of color to signify quiet time, and have it turn green when quiet time has ended.

If the timer goes off, and your little one wants to continue their Quiet Time activity a little longer, give yourself a high-five.

Quiet time should be in the bedroom

Avoid having quiet time in the family room or play room, if possible.  Although these can be convenient places if this is where toys are kept, an environment like this can often become overwhelming for a child.  It can also be easy for your child to become distracted in a common room.

In their bedroom, there are usually less distractions.  Even if their toys are kept in the bedroom, it is away from parents and other siblings.

Have a Quiet Time activity planned

For older kids, or kids who have been doing quiet time for a while, you won’t need to plan an activity.  In fact, I actually prefer not to plan an activity.  Boredom fosters creativity and growth!  However, this is unrealistic for a child who is just starting out with Quiet Time.  For a preschooler who is just starting out with quiet time, plan to have 1 or 2 quiet time activities planned for the day.  Avoid having too much planned, as this can be overwhelming.   Quiet Time activities do not need to be complicated.  It can be as simple as playing with a favorite toy.  Some of my favorite Quiet Time activities are coloring, stickers, stuffed animals, books, Legos, Magnatiles, puzzles, or dolls.  Screens and TV’s should not be a part of quiet time.

Poor some wine (for yourself, not your kid!)

Okay, maybe it’s a little too early for wine?  I won’t judge.  However, you may just be able to drink your coffee hot!

Offer praise

When quiet time has ended, be sure to praise your child for completing quiet time.  I would not give a “reward” for this, just verbal praise.  This can be as simple as, “how great that you completed your Quiet Time!  Didn’t it feel good to give your body and mind some rest?  Let’s do this again tomorrow!”

That’s it!  You’re on your way for some quiet time for your kid and yourself!  Oh, and by the way, Quiet Time never really has to end.  This is something that can carry out through childhood and into adulthood!

If you’re struggling with starting Quiet Time, or anything else sleep related, book a free evaluation call with me.