The Importance of Quiet Time for Kids and How to Implement It

Time of silence like a glass full of sediment and dirt. The agitation of the water constantly keeps the dirt in motion and the water cloudy. However, once stillness comes in, the dirt and the sediments are allows to sink to the bottom. The water becomes clear again.

As we implement quiet time, it becomes a time of settling down mentally, emotionally, and even physically. We break away from the noise and business of our world and create a time and space of calm. And not surprising, kids of all ages need this just as much as adults.

Quiet Time for kids focuses on activities that bring a sense of restfulness to our kids and the home. Similar to independent play, quiet time teaches kids to learn to engage in activities and projects on their own either in your sight or quietly in their room (when they are old enough). This time is not only beneficial to kids, it is beneficial for parents as well. Feeling like an entertainer with constant sound stimuli all day is exhausting. Having times of silence in the home allows for clearer thinking and a renewed sense of calm, for children and parents.

3 General Benefits of Silence (for kids and adults)

1. Silence creates a sense of calm. This can even lower blood pressure and decrease stress.

2. Silence creates an increased self-awareness and introspection. Sometimes this can be scary. I think it is a tendency in our busy societies to try to avoid what is going on inside of us. Sometimes facing the things beneath the surface is intimidating, but it is crucial for our own emotional and mental health.

5. Silence creates time for reflection and resolution. Time of silence often brings to the surface matters that have not been addressed, priorities that need to be refocused on, and things that have been "forgotten."

Benefits of Quiet Time for Kids:

Quiet Time...

1. Teaches kids that silence can be a good thing. In a world of hustling and bustling and the stimuli getting louder and louder, it is important to teach kids that it is ok to be still and quiet.

2. Increases the ability to be self-aware. While this may not be an immediate and direct result of your implemented quiet times, it creates a setting in which kids can grow in mindfulness of what is going on inside of them with their own thoughts and feelings.

3. Teaches them to not be bored. Boredom is an inability to self-direct to beneficial tasks and activities. Practicing independent, quiet time teaches kids to take ownership of unstructured time and learn how to fill it with beneficial activities.

4. Helps kids become more independent and builds confidence. While kids may need direction and assistance with finding things to do at first, the goal is that they would begin to fill this unstructured time themselves. As they make their own decisions about what to do and when to do it, they are learning critical thinking skills and that they have the ability to be self-motivated.

5. Increases focus and attention. Daily implementing quiet time will increase their ability to focus on the task at hand and not always be looking for the next thing to do.

6. Gives space for creativity. To be creative, our minds need a time free of pressure, expectations, and over-stimulus. Having quiet time allows kids to reap the environment of such an atmosphere.

7. Provides a mental break that can allow kids (and moms) to recharge, re-energize, and recenter. Time of silence and rest also strengthens memory and increases cognitive functioning.

Tips for Implementing Quiet Time

1. Start slowly. Start with what your kids can manage. For younger kids, ages 3-5, consider starting with 15-20 minutes at first and work your way up to the ideal time you would like to have for quiet time. Depending on the child, anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours can be the upward goal. Be sensitive to what is beneficial for your child. For some children, an hour a day will be perfect. For others who enjoy quiet time immensely, up to 2 hours can be beneficial.

2. Schedule strategically. I like to have two 30-minute increments scheduled throughout the day, timing them when I know I and the kids will need the quiet time the most, such as after coming back from a tiring activity or during times I need to plan for the day.

3. Expect resistance. As with anything that is challenging, expect that your kids may find it uncomfortable and hard at first. They will likely need additional guidance and encouragement as you are establishing quiet time into your routine. That's perfectly normal. They will get better at it with time.

4. Be consistent. Even if it seems to not be "working" at first, stick with it. Keep to certain times of the day and let your kids know that this is something the family will continue to do.

5. Talk with your kids about the importance of times of silence. Let them know that times of quietness is good for the mind, the body, and the soul. Encourage them that this time can be fun and relaxing.

6. Guide younger kids during this time. Younger children will need help redirecting to quiet activities. They may need reminders that they have just a few more minutes of quiet time.

7. Give kids a visual time cue. This may not always be needed, but as kids are learning to embrace silence, having a visual timekeeper, such as an hourglass or a timer, can help them persevere to the end.

8. Plan something fun after quiet times. Especially for kids who struggle with this time, it can be helpful to have a fun activity planned afterwards. It can be baking together, time outside, an art project, etc.

9. Praise and encourage. Praise the small victories and let them see how exciting it is to you that they can play independently and quietly for a time.

10. Provide some structure. Especially at the beginning, kids will need direction for how to spend their time. It's helpful to give them a few options for how they can spend their time and then to let them choose between those activities.

Activities for Quiet Time

Depending on the age of your child, consider some of these activities for their quiet time. Remember, the goal of quiet time is to allow them to grow in their own independence and creativity, so while it is helpful to provide structure and certain activities for them to use, it is also beneficial to give them projects that are open-ended and allow for them to make choices, plan, and develop their own ideas. This will look differently for every family, but the best benefits of this quiet time come from activities that do not involve electronics and technology.

1. Blocks

2. Magnatiles

3. Coloring/Drawing

4. Painting

5. Puzzles

6. Working with Clay

7. Meditation

8. Journaling

9. Reading/Looking at Picture Books

We would love to hear from you! Do you use quiet time with your kids? Are there tips and activities that you find helpful?