Part Two of Shhh. It’s Quiet Time.
“Honey, take a nap.”
Some of the best advice my grandmother ever gave me. Yes, young children need a nap. But did you know that mothers need one too?
“You just need to put your feet up for 10 minutes. Even if you don’t go to sleep. As long as you relax for 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll be able to face the crazy hours.”
So I have taken my grandmother’s advice ever since I became a mama. As much as I can.
Now, with children in the house, your quiet time habit must be established. Yes, before embarking on the habit of napping, my five are in their own quiet time spots. (Ideas here)
Once children are secured:
- Find a comfortable spot.
- Put your feet up.
- Put your head back.
- Close your eyes.
- And relax.
- Really. Relax.
- Just 10-15 minutes.
Don’t fret. The laundry will still be there. Trust me. You will get to fix supper for your crew. Relax first. Quiet time and an afternoon nap will give you the ammunition you need to accomplish those necessary tasks.
I am convinced that the world would be a better place if we’d all just take an afternoon nap. Close to supper time, tempers would flare less. Stress would more easily be diffused. All because Mama took a nap. “Ooo weee, girl. I can tell you didn’t get your nap today!”
That’s my prescription. The habit of napping.
I encourage you. Establish quiet time. Then take a nap a day.
This is so relevant! We are pretty good about having out afternoon quiet time, but I always feel like I need to use that time to DO something. Love this idea. Moms definitely need naps too.
Oh, and what a precious sleeping face 🙂
I love naps.
I don’t take one every single day. But if I am tired, I do. I find that sleeping on the couch lets me really doze off without sleeping too long.
I’m the napping queen! Actually since I started taking good vitamins I don’t need the sleep part as much (so wish I did this when I had little ones). The Hamlins are known for their expertise in the area…I thought every one did but have since learned some people consider this lazy. It is amazing what 10-15 minutes can do for me. It also allows me to stay up a little later with my night owl husband and still resemble somewhat the wife he thought he married 😉 I have not done as good with the boys getting older and quiet time as when they were younger. Thought just this morning (see Tricia we must be with each other in spirit more often than we realize!) that this summer we would work on it! Thanks for the reminder!
AMEN!!!! I wish my boys still took naps =)
We have a daily quiet time we call reading and resting time. The kids can read or rest (such creative naming, I know!), but they have to do it quietly on their bed. That is my time to have a minute to myself.
Sometimes I use it to get stuff done, but it’s most effective when I am still and quiet in order to recharge…so thanks for the gentle nudging!
(And I love the name ‘crazy hours’ 🙂 )
I frequently take a 10-15 minute nap in the afternoons in order to feel energized and refreshed….then I get a whole lot more accomplished. I do appreciate the reminder about the children also needing some “personal time” (that’s what we call it in our home) in order to get a break from each other and rest.
oh yes. when I can I do. I feel the same way. the world looks a more pleasant place with just a little down time taken! this is the number one reason we have temper issues with our 7yo, because she is TIRED and doesn’t really know how to let herself rest. we are bigtime midday rest proponents here. 🙂
amy in peru
http://fisheracademy.blogspot.com
I agree!! My kids both have quiet time from 2:00-3:30 each day (or thereabouts!) and I try to close my eyes for a little while during that time. Whey do we feel so guilty about napping? We work hard!!
I LOVE naps. While my kids have outgrown them, we all still do enjoy some quiet solo time in the afternoons whenever possible, and life looks a lot better when we make it a priority.
In visiting our family in Costa Rica, it’s been great to see the “siesta” concept refreshing people of all ages and all walks of life. While in the US it’s rare for adults to admit napping, in other cultures, it’s just a natural part of the day. The hardest part for me in trying to enjoy any quiet time is not getting side tracked by the computer, which usually wastes any time I had.