Quiet Time

Alright, before I get into this post, I just need to put this disclaimer out there.  I am not an expert mom.  At. All.  In fact, more days than not, I am afraid I do a pretty lousy job.  But I had a couple of people ask me about this Quiet Time thing we do, so I thought might as well write about it, hoping that it helps someone out.

Right now both boys are quiet.  They are in their beds, with their blankets (ni nights).  Elliot is sucking away on his binky, sleeping, and Forrest is enjoying some graham crackers, milk and a few books.  In fact, this morning he asked me to go to Quiet Time.

It's something we started with him shortly after Elliot was born.  Forrest had given up his morning nap, and I was about to lose my mind. I needed just a bit of time in the morning to collect myself, you know, like maybe get dressed, or eat something, write an email, or clean a bathroom.  So we put Forrest in his crib with some board books and a snack, his ni night and turned on the small light, just to make it cozy and snugglely, not like an operating room.  And it worked.  I was able to have about a half hour to myself to actually get something done!  In those early days, there were even times when Forrest would fall asleep.

Now Quiet Time usually lasts about a half hour or forty five minutes.  We don't let Forrest take toys with him, just books and a snack.  And sure, he will start pretending with his stuffed dog Katie, but that's ok.  The point  is to teach him everyone needs some alone time and to just be content with some quiet play.  And we have found with him in particular he needs it.  Too many people drain the poor kid.  There are times when he comes home from babysitting mornings and he says, "Mommy, can I got quiet time?"

Elliot still needs and wants a morning nap (Thank you God!), but when he gets to the point where he's done with it, you better believe we will be doing quiet time with him too!  Because everyone, including mama, needs some alone time!