Modeling Quiet Time

There are so many distractions in the current world and the kiddos are WOUND UP with electronics, constant programming, sports teams .... all of which have their place.

But ... it's hard for a kiddo to find a space to relax, unwind, and just think. 

These days, grown-ups are suffering from the same "affliction," and have limited space (physical or mental) for reflection, dreaming, creating, etc. 

Telling your child to have some quiet time doesn't always help them to understand what you mean by that. Like any concept, MODELING this for your children is a critical piece of teaching them to make space for their own quiet time. 

Take some time to show your child, by example, what quiet time would look like, sound like, feel like.

• Get comfy in a chair and read an actual paper book or magazine. Recharge and take your time, focusing on something, instead of scanning.  
• Take a blanket outdoors with some books and writing paper (or not) and have quiet time in the shade. Enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
• Find a corner of the room to sit in with minimal distractions and write, diary style or free style, any thoughts you have - or doodle. 
• Turn the lights down, put on some soft music and just let your thoughts wander. Regulate your breathing to lower your stress. 

Let yourself enjoy some quiet time, and your child will learn that this is a great time for dreaming, relaxing … and for self-regulation. Sometimes the stress of our go-go world is too much, and having tools to decompress is important. 

"Mindfulness" is a concept that has been publicized a lot in recent days. There are books, videos, audio tracks, etc. to help you on the path to mindfulness. So many folks are looking for an easier way or more time-efficient way to do things, but mindfulness (or quiet time) is not going to fit into that category. Carving out some special time to be quiet, spend time with yourself, find things that make you joyful ... this is a process.

MODEL for your children, and enjoy the side benefits of winding down and chilling out. 

Have fun!

Daily Schedule for the Win!

 It seems like such a little thing …. a visual schedule. 

Children are used to keeping to a schedule in school, and educators have long known that posting a daily schedule (and sticking to it, mostly) can help keep students on track and alleviate questions and disagreements. At home, especially if it’s the school holidays and the days are drifting by, a schedule can help with your daily routine, too. Maybe the little transitions are turning into longer transitions, with pushback, and some tempers may be starting to flare. The b-word (BORED) may be getting 

Something simple like posting a visual schedule can alleviate stress, help children make the most of their time, and ease transitions between activities. Just as in school, a posted schedule allows children to see what is coming up, how close snack or lunchtime is, and when their favorite activities are coming up. With siblings involved, it also allows for taking turns in a non-confrontational way. And, the best, the adult doesn’t have to keep tightening the reins or making decisions, and might enjoy their children more ;) 

 

Start with a large sheet of paper and a list of what NEEDS to happen that day. Get input from the kiddos about activities that they would LIKE to do as well. Determine chunks of time that work for the group and alternate between activities, writing out a schedule to post for all to agree upon. You can write it out yourself, add doodles or pictures, or choose something from the bounty that the internet offers. (The one shown is a free download from simplemomreview.com)

Using timers has worked for us too, to give children a way to monitor how much time they have left in a time period. Even the smaller children can visualize, by using an egg timer or countdown clock, both of which you can find online. 

Try this out and see if it works for you! 

Have fun!