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!