The Importance of Quiet Time
As moms and parents, we often try to keep our little ones entertained to bypass boredom. But guess what? It is okay for children to feel bored sometimes! When children experience boredom, they have a chance to spend some quiet time alone, which can lead to amazing self-discovery.
When children have only a few toys to play with per time, they become more creative and find new ways to use them. This limitation boosts their creative exploration and innovation. According to Lapointe (2016), quiet time encourages children to create, do, and conquer!
My Experience
Growing up, I neither considered nor had much quiet time, and I often got restless when I was bored. When I became a mom, I initially thought that my children needed to be constantly entertained. But after talking to a dear friend, I realized that it was okay for my children to feel bored occasionally. In this way, they would learn to entertain themselves.
A few weeks ago, my daughter said, “Mommy, I’m bored!” Instead of suggesting she play with her toys as I usually do, I responded, “okay!” Before long, my princess had found a page of reward stickers. Instead of sticking them in her book as she usually does, she beautifully decorated a bowl with the stickers!
I soon discovered that my daughter became creative when left alone with some simple materials. Her imagination soared when she had the freedom to explore on her own. However, it’s important to be mindful of what materials your toddlers have access to. When they’re bored, their creativity knows no bounds! For example, unattended paint or crayons could possibly result in decorated walls and furniture.
During school holidays, it’s common to have bored children at home. Instead of just extending screen time, here are some additional tips to encourage quiet time:
My 5 Tips For Quiet Time
- Assign daily quiet time: This is a period for your child to sit quietly and think and create. It helps them reflect on their day. Start with a short quiet time of maybe 20 minutes and gradually extend it if need be or just go with the flow. You may choose to play some white noise sounds in the background. Please note that this is not nap time.
- Recommend a book: This perfect quiet time pastime of reading transports the mind. Furnish your child with age-appropriate books or sign them up for an appropriate book club. My toddlers participate in a lovely online story-time session with Todds and Books.
- Arts and crafts: Give them raw materials and watch their creativity transcend boundaries.
- Outdoor play: Encourage your children to spend time with nature, which is great for their mind and body. They must not play with friends all the time.
- Give encouraging nudges: Some children might whine at first. Give them ideas or prompts and leave them. Let them take the ultimate lead during their quiet time.
By incorporating these tips, you can help your children discover their inner genius and enjoy the benefits of quiet time.
Research Insight
In brief, according to the Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services (2019), “boredom gives children an inner quiet that helps with imagination and self-awareness.” Basically, this can spark creative interests that last a lifetime. Children need quiet time to develop creativity and find solutions to their boredom.
“Children need to sit in the nothingness of boredom in order to arrive at an understanding of who they are..”. (Lapointe 2016) Lapointe (2016) explains that often times, kids may seem unmotivated because they never learned to stir up their internal drive during quiet time (if one existed).
Conclusion
Quiet time should neither feel boring nor like a punishment. It is a chance for your child/children to discover themselves and develop comfort in their own company. If you have multiple children, encourage separate spaces for quiet time. As they grow, they’ll become more comfortable spending time alone.
Action Point
Which of these quiet time tips have you tried or plan to try or other? Kindly share your experiences.
Reference
Lapointe, V. 2016. Why You Should Do Nothing When Your Child Says, “I’m Bored”. Accessed on 29 May. Available at: https://drvanessalapointe.com/perfect-reaction-im-bored-nothing/
Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services (2019) The Benefits of Boredom. Accessed https://melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/the-benefits-of-boredom/#:~:text=Boredom%20gives%20children%20an%20inner,up%20with%20solutions%20to%20boredom.
Thanks Ani. Your post was enlightening in more ways than one. I have found that my 5 yr old becomes really creative whenever board- acting out imaginary scenarios or painting. I usually recommend reading a book, however this suggestion is not always accepted. In the early days, she also found reading a book boring, now with so many books to choose from, she engages better.
I love the part about acting out imaginary scenarios. It shows social-cognitive development which is apt for her age.
I’m glad she’s reading books now. Take note of her preference and keep up the encouragement mama!
Thanks dear Aita. Much love