How to Create a Successful Quiet Time

So your beloved child has stopped napping, but the need for quiet independent play is still desired, right? How do you teach quiet time?

A lot of times when it comes to creating a Quiet Time (QT) in our homes we think that if we just find the “right” toy to hold our child’s interest, then we will have be able to create a successful quiet time. While I will agree that your child needs quiet activities that they enjoy, there is a whole lot more to making quiet time work in your home.

Now those of you who have a toddler that is waning in and out of needing a nap, NOW is the perfect time to introduce Quiet Time procedures. Those of you with older children that are not accustomed to a nap or quiet time period during the day, you might have a little more work to do in order to get everyone on board with the idea. But it will be worth it in the end. As with any goal, we need to do a little planning. Here we go!

Your child needs to clearly understand the boundaries of quiet time. It’s is only fair to them, that they know what signals the completion of quiet time. Communication and reinforcement of the rules are key.

Your mission: Quiet Time (QT)
Definition: Independent play, confined to a specific area, without the use of TV or Computer, for a specific amount of time. (I am not against TV or Computers, but I want to be as clear as possible about what we are trying to accomplish for this particular subject.)
The rules: Where can I go, what can be played with and how do I know when it is over?

Specific Area: Here is an area where you can give your child choice and creativity. You can make Quiet time as basic or complex as you would like. Your QT area can be contained to a room, a bed, or a created QT spot. If your child is one that is transitioning out of the napping stage, you might want to confine QT to the bed. This way if their body does need rest, they will more than likely fall asleep during this time. You can also create a very comfy spot for QT that is not in the bed but does lend itself greatly to sleepy time. For example you can use a beach towel and pillows, a large cardboard box, or pop-up tent to be the place where QT is happening. The box is fun because you can (cut) sculpt the sides of the box and take off the top to make your own princess bed or car, etc. Your child can help decorate the box that will be their very own special place for this time. But as I mentioned earlier, a simple towel and pillow will do the same thing.

What can be played with: A younger child that has a more confined place for QT needs to have acceptable toys and activities in their area (books, aqua doodle, etc.) The older the child, the more space and activities should be available to them. When it comes to selecting QT activities it is good to have a few acceptable parent choices for the child to choose from. Give them some ownership that works within your goals for QT. Keeping some toys/activities as QT only activities, will help to make the activity special and hold interest longer.

Time: Obviously you can use a timer or clock alarm to signal the end of quiet time. However, my favorite device is music (books on tape are good too.) With either book or music, keep in mind tone and time. (If this is quiet time, you want an atmosphere that is calming and soothing rather than loud and simulating. Set the mood with relaxing music and dim light.) The great thing about using music or audio stories is that it will remind your child that it is quiet time and will let your child know when QT is over.

Lastly you will need to think about consequences to not complying with QT rules. A child that has the free of choice in his room but refuses to engage in quiet activities (think super action hero time) or repeated leaves the room, might find his QT time privileges restricted in choice and area (aka: you can now only read books and you must stay in bed.) Leaving the room for unnecessary reasons can “restart the timer.” There are many different scenarios and consequences you can come up with, but keep in mind that you want to keep your objective in mind. “Beloved child, we will have QT. QT is over when the music/timer is over. If you choose to disobey, the consequence is _________.” Just remember consequences serve to relate your child’s actions to a change in their environment. Consequences to negative behavior brings forth a loss of something of value (permenantly or for a set period of time), or brings forth a gain of something unwanted (extra work, more time in an undesired activity, alone time, etc.)

Needless to state, Quiet Time is a gift to a parent or caregiver; but it is also a gift to your child because it allows them the chance to play, think, and create on their own. Set the boundaries, communicate your expectations and hold them accountable to their choices. Most importantly have a loving day and a happy Quiet Time!

How do YOU create Quiet Time? Have you ever thought you were having a great Quiet Time moment, only to find your beloved child passed out on the floor asleep covered in marker? Have you got some great QT stories or ideas you would like to share? Speak up and post!


Amy Dubois’ an educator turned stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. She’s the mother of three children, who bring her the greatest joy and challenges. Using her background in education and mothering, she’s developed a system to help parents discipline with consistency, clear consequences, dignity, and love. For more information visit http://www.msbeehavedesigns.com Copyright © 2006-2008 Ms Beehave Designs, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be freely reproduced, edited, or published without consent.