I lived for naptimes when my children were young enough to make naps. It was my time to go over lessons, plan the next day, or just sit with a cup of tea and do my devotions or read a book. It was like an hour lunch break that I desperately needed. When it was over I felt energized and ready to take on the rest of the afternoon and evening. Of course there were times I did not want to see it end. As time went on my children no longer needed naps but my need for them to take naps did not diminish. My days were growing chaotic and my ability to refocus was limited. I needed a break during the day. I remember having lunch breaks when I worked, why not now?
As the days without names were causing me to come unglued at the seams I saw that my children also needed a break from the day and each other. A child giving up a nap is not always a sign a nap is no longer needed. We have a chaotic schedule and bedtime is not rigid so tired children are often the result. Yet, tired children do not accept naptime well. We would spend more time instilling naptime than actually using that time to rest. So what would be the solution?
Quiet time.
Instead of naptime we now have quiet time. Quiet time is a break during the day for the whole family.
Quite Time Rules:
You must spend the time doing an individual activity.
You must be quiet.
You can only read, draw or color, or play with quiet toys such as a small set of Legos or a few dolls.
Mom comes and lets you know when quiet time is over unless you are old enough to tell time and have a clock in your room.
You must respect the quiet time of others. No disruptions unless it is an emergency.
I have noticed that everyone is better able to focus after our quiet time.