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So I know many parents get frustrated when their kids stop napping, but a quiet time for all kids can be a great answer. I know quiet time can look differently for every family, but I want to share with you what works in our home.
I will share some of our favorite quiet time activities, toys, and ways we use tablets during this part of the day. My hope is that these ideas will help you find a quiet time routine that works for your family too!
Why Quiet Time Is Important
Many children start to drop naps around the age of 3 or 4, but if you are lucky your child may drop their nap around the age of 2 just like my second child (Hahaha)! There are a few signs that can tell you nap time may be coming to an end. If you need some help deciding if your child is ready to drop their nap, check out this article by the County of Santa Clara.
Once you decide it is time to drop nap time, what do you do? You still need a break during the day and your child still needs time with less stimulation. This is where quiet time for kids can be helpful.
There are many ways to introduce quiet time to your older preschooler or young elementary child. The Purposeful Mom shares how she introduces quiet time here. One important thing is to stick to your boundaries and give your kids some grace as they learn. You can also introduce quiet time at any age, even if it has never been part of your family’s routine before.
What Quiet Time Looks Like in Our House
I have always had quiet time for all my kids. We start by transitioning from nap time by just letting my kids “read” in bed. If they fall asleep, great! If they don’t, that is fine too. I also change the words I use from nap time to rest time. This gives them a little more freedom during this time.
Once they haven’t slept during rest time for a few months, I let them stay up during this time. However, we still separate for a while.
My daughter started this when she was almost 5 years old. She would read for a bit in her room and then she could get her tablet. She just had to stay in her room.
My first son stopped napping around age 2, so I would give him some quiet toys and books to use in his room. Once my second son was born and started sharing a room with his brother, my oldest boy started having quiet time in the living room. He would use his tablet during this time.
So our quiet time does include screens. And that is fine with us! It may not work for your family, and that is okay too. This is the only time my kids use their tablets so it works for us.
Our Quiet Time Favorites
Amazon Fire Kids Tablets
These are our favorite tablets. They have really good parental controls. I can setup each kid an account that is specific to them. They do have a few quarks, like all tablets, but once you figure it out, it works great!
Magnatiles
Magnatiles are amazing. They can build almost anything with them. There are even some sets with cars and people!
Bracelet Making Kit (and other Craft Kits)
With older kids you can set out some craft kits. This is only good, if they can do the kit on their own. The key with quiet time is for kids to be on their own.
Legos
Buy Duplo Legos on Amazon
Buy Legos on Amazon
Legos are great for any age. For your younger child, the Duplo ones are good. They can build all kids of things with them. For you older child who isn’t going to try and eat them, you can get some regular Legos. My kids have soo many that we need two storage bins for them!
Books
5 Tips for Making Quiet Time Work
Start Slowly
If your child is young, you can give them books during nap time and let them have some quiet time. If your child is older and you want to introduce quiet time, start with just 10 minutes. After they get used to it, keep adding more time!
Keep the Same Time Each Day
Routine is key for kids. If they know that quiet time happens a few minutes after lunch each day, they will may be less likely to resist it. Also, if quiet time is new give your child some grace. If they forget, gently remind them that it is quiet time.
Give Everyone Their Own Space
Find a place where everyone can be on their own for quiet time. This can be in their bedrooms or separate areas of the house. As your family changes, these spaces may need to change too.
Set Clear Boundaries
Figure out what you want quiet time to look like. Explain it to your kids. Then, stick to those boundaries! Remember gentle reminders are always better than getting upset when they forgot!
Find What Works for Your Family
If screens work, go for it. If reading works, go for it. If audiobooks work, go for it. If something you try doesn’t work and your kids get too wound up, try something different! Quiet time for kids will look different in every family.
