by Krista Tannahill

Created on: April 20, 2009

As parents we sometimes feel the need to fill our child's day with playgroups, sports, music and games. However, one of the most critical and often overlooked activities missing from a child's schedule is quiet time. Quiet time is an opportunity to relax and enjoy low key activities that encourage thinking, self direction and creativity.

Children of any age can experience stress and a sense of anxiety just as adults to. As adults we are able to recognize when we are feeling increased stress levels and then take the necessary steps to either reduce the stress or remove ourselves from the stress. Children do not have the same ability to recognize, verbalize or remove themselves from stressful situations. In order to reduce stress and create a sense of relaxation children should be provided with daily opportunities to step back from a busy day and engage in various quiet time activities.

Scheduled quiet time can have a positive effect on growth and development as it enables the child to explore various self directed activities that require focus, patience and reflection. Quiet time activities can include reading, writing, crafts, and puzzles. Art work or crafts can be hung on the wall or placed on the fridge. Completed puzzles can be admired and favorite books can be shared. Recognizing a child's accomplishments and creativity when quiet time ends and it will create a positive association with these low-key scheduled activities.

Quiet time during infancy can be relaxing before bedtime and the baby used to being alone in the crib. When a baby or toddler becomes over stimulated by the environment around them they can react by screaming, crying or banging toys. To encourage quiet time; lay your baby in the crib while playing soothing background music. As a baby grows you can add play items into the crib such as a baby book or a soft toy to encourage quiet play.

The benefits of scheduled quiet time can include but are not limited to:

Reduced stress levels during the day

Increased ability to focus on various tasks and activities

Increased level of patience for both the parent and the child

Well balanced child with the ability to sit or play quietly and enjoy time alone

Improved sleep patterns due to the prevention of over-stimulation

Scheduled down time and self directed activity from an early age will prepare a child for the focus that is required in school as well as other tasks and extra curricular activities. A child that grows up with scheduled quiet time will more than likely continue the practice into adulthood.

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