How to Implement Quiet Time
I love my kids, but I definitely look forward to naptime everyday. My twins are 2.5 and I know that one day they’ll no longer need a nap, but the idea of keeping up with them for 12 hours, with no midday break to catch my breath is daunting! Luckily, when the time comes that they no longer need to nap I plan to implement a quiet time.
While there inevitably does come a time when naps should be dropped, moving straight to being awake, active, and engaged for 12+ hours a day is a huge shift. In order to give them (and you) a little mid-day break to reset we suggest moving to a quiet time when dropping the nap. Quiet time is exactly as it sounds, a short break in the day while your toddler engages in a quiet, independent activity. If you’re panicking that your toddler may struggle with this transition, we have tips and tricks to ensure it runs smoothly.
Tips to Implement Quiet Time
Family meeting
The last thing you want to do is spring a change on your toddler. It may sound a little corny, but a family meeting is a great way to introduce this new routine and set expectations. Sit down with your toddler and all the caretakers who may be helping with quiet time (parents, grandparents, nanny, etc.) and explain that now that they are so grown-up they do not have to take a nap every day. Explain that their bodies and brains still need some rest time, but now they have the option of playing with special toys during naptime. Invest your toddler in quiet time expectations by asking them to think of (and guide them to!) rules they should follow during that time. Finally, write them down and all “sign” a contract!
OK to Wake Clock
To a three year old, “I’ll get you in one hour” means nothing. Because they don’t yet have an understanding of time, they’re left in their room confused about when you’re coming. Implementing an OK to wake clock can be a really great tool to give toddlers a sense of control. The Hatch, or any sound machine with a light feature are great options. You’ll set the light to turn on at the one hour mark, signaling they can now leave the room. For many kids one hour is a long time, so you can start with 15 minutes and then slowly build their stamina.
Quiet time activities
To invest your little one in quiet time, create a special basket of toys that only come out at this time of day. Puzzles, coloring books, stuffed animals, Tonie Box, etc. are all great options. These should be toys they can successfully play with independently. This isn’t the time to break out a new and complicated Lego set they’ll need lots of adult help with. To help with the initial buy-in you can even take your little one shopping and let them pick out new toys for their quiet time basket. When quiet time is over, these toys are placed back in the basket and put away until the next day (when hopefully they’ll be looking forward to quiet time!).
What to do if they fall asleep?
There will likely be days your toddler falls asleep during their quiet time. When this happens you can let them sleep, but regardless of when they fell asleep, wake them at the end of quiet time. For example, if quiet time is 2:00- 3:00 and they fall asleep at 2:45, they will still be woken at 3:00 to avoid disrupting nighttime sleep.
Dropping the nap is a huge change for your toddler, and will likely take some time to get used to. If you hold clear and consistent expectations though it shouldn’t take more than a few weeks for them to get in the swing of things!
