tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post1605616215237526048..comments2024-03-27T05:20:57.996-04:00Comments on Monica Wilkinson: Quiet Time for LittlesMonica Wilkinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17235919587298518908noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-15187800496164325492009-12-20T00:00:31.834-05:002009-12-20T00:00:31.834-05:00Thank you for this, Monica. Having a set quiet tim...Thank you for this, Monica. Having a set quiet time has been so helpful in my household. Lately, it has been a bit of a struggle, since my 2 yo learned how to climb out of the crib. This post has given me some much needed inspiration.I will definitely be needing everyone in the house to take a quiet time, especially once my baby is born. (due 3-1-10) Thank you so much for this post!Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01116480895620416647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-65277540420389911992009-12-19T03:10:47.635-05:002009-12-19T03:10:47.635-05:00I love this. What a great reminder to get thsi ro...I love this. What a great reminder to get thsi routine back into our day. I have let it slip away with my oldest (four) to everyone's detriment. She loves to color though and I LOVE the idea of me on my bed for AN HOUR! Wow, what a blessing that would be! Your posts and photos are beautiful and inspiring and I look forward to following them more now that I have found you!HAPPYHANERHOMEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05554119693424274660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-36412441144410253192009-12-17T11:10:11.178-05:002009-12-17T11:10:11.178-05:00I applaud you for desiring peace in your family li...I applaud you for desiring peace in your family life. I hope you will be able to continue that even when the kids are older. Boundaries (Cloud and Townsend), is an excellent book. My entire life changed after reading it! It is about each of us creating our boundaries and not allowing others (including our children and husbands) to violate them and being careful not to violate the boundaries of others. It is what God wanted for the Garden of Eden and we all know how we blew that! God bless each of you during this glorious season.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02849563838269427872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-18131339964994486682009-12-17T11:07:55.095-05:002009-12-17T11:07:55.095-05:00I applaud you for desiring peace in your family li...I applaud you for desiring peace in your family life. I hope you will be able to continue that even when the kids are older. Boundaries (Cloud and Townsend), is an excellent book. My entire life changed after reading it! It is about each of us creating our boundaries and not allowing others (including our children and husbands) to violate them and being careful not to violate the boundaries of others. It is what God wanted for the Garden of Eden and we all know how we blew that! God bless each of you during this glorious season.Maggiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02849563838269427872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-31483524963753749662009-12-15T09:49:47.823-05:002009-12-15T09:49:47.823-05:00This is so true. I have 3 and my oldest is 11 but...This is so true. I have 3 and my oldest is 11 but they all have quiet time. They read or play in their room quietly. The rule is no noise so they don't wake up my little one who sleeps for nap.agneshttp://unefrancaiseaunebraska.over-blog.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-9895073380850942512009-12-14T19:24:01.310-05:002009-12-14T19:24:01.310-05:00We also have a quiet hour every afternoon. Most of...We also have a quiet hour every afternoon. Most of the time if anyone goes to sleep, I'm the one! :-) My girls are 4 and 5, and they always listen to an audiobook during rest time and play quietly on the bed with quiet toys or look at picture books. With a baby coming this summer, though, I know our routine will have to change a little, at least. ;-)Amy @ Hope Is the Wordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07949836482747469686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-38777576492140794152009-12-13T21:58:32.762-05:002009-12-13T21:58:32.762-05:00I don't even know you, but I imagine what you ...I don't even know you, but I imagine what you are like and how your home must be filled with such a wonderful spirit. I loved reading this. I am way past these days - my youngest is 15 - but I think what you're doing with your children and this quiet time is vitally important. It IS so important that moms have private time to read, study, do whatever relaxes and rejuvenates them, and just as important that kids learn how to settle down and not have to be so stimulated. To learn to be okay with their own company. Bravo for your Mother work!janhad3https://www.blogger.com/profile/02068667715948774506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-3383879035080896142009-12-13T09:17:23.431-05:002009-12-13T09:17:23.431-05:00I really appreciate your post. I've "alw...I really appreciate your post. I've "always" thought that the kids' naptime was a time for me to get things done, but I don't feel rested afterwards! I think that for the new year, I will try to re-evaluate how I use my quiet time during the kids' naptime. Love it!melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02229154192550719053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-35892863120246355892009-12-13T00:41:21.646-05:002009-12-13T00:41:21.646-05:00I also agree that quiet time it important. We do ...I also agree that quiet time it important. We do it here when school is out - no real set time anymore - usually about 2 or 3 though for 30-60 minutes. It's good for everyone. When school is in there usually isn't time with homework and other activities but if there's time I will do it for about 30 minutes. It really rejuvenates us & makes our evening routine run smoother.Debrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03179975836835123468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-37287812260831828442009-12-12T11:25:31.234-05:002009-12-12T11:25:31.234-05:00Excellent ideas! We have instituted time on Saturd...Excellent ideas! We have instituted time on Saturday when we do not answer the phone...those that know us, know to leave a message and were it an emergency, of course we would respond immediately. It has greatly contributed to our peace. I think it is too easy in our run all the time society to be without quiet time and most people would do better to "put up a few fences" of quiet time during a week.<br /><br />I have enjoyed reading here for some time...just usually don't write a comment.<br />ElizabethAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-19889307975055475072009-12-12T10:13:17.488-05:002009-12-12T10:13:17.488-05:00We still do this even though my boys are 14 & ...We still do this even though my boys are 14 & 17 and I work full time during the school year.<br /><br />I first learned of doing this on Dobson. I don't remember the guest he had that day, but I remember she had LOTS of children and told about doing this. My first thought was "yeah right, there was no way this was going to work for my toddler children at that time". But I was wrong! Ü<br /><br />I loved the idea, because it bothered me that we expected our children to be quiet during church, but never during the week, so how were they suppose to know and understand why they had to be quiet for an hour on Sunday??!!<br /><br />We started out small as well. Now on the weekends and in the summer we do this still starting at 1 and usually for an hour...longer if needed. My boys love it and if something comes up that we need to do, my 15 yr old will say "but we haven't had quiet time yet". I love that we have instilled this in them and it is fun to see that others do this as well.Debbie Fisher (debbiedee)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01504216412594013717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-36699935176483068712009-12-11T22:46:06.920-05:002009-12-11T22:46:06.920-05:00I was wondering which top you picked to wear with ...I was wondering which top you picked to wear with your skirt for Christmas? Will you please let us know? :)EmeraldsinGoldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-19946591089059276102009-12-11T17:06:38.483-05:002009-12-11T17:06:38.483-05:00I'm so glad I'm not the only one with the ...I'm so glad I'm not the only one with the no phone between 1 and 3. People act like I'm crazy, but I think they are foolish to have to be "connected" every moment. Your idea of letting your wishes be known on your machine's message is a great idea. Thanks Monica.Kellynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-15775996162167444702009-12-11T16:35:57.357-05:002009-12-11T16:35:57.357-05:00Great post, Monica. My mom, mother of 10 kids and...Great post, Monica. My mom, mother of 10 kids and go-to person for many other adults who needed advice, implemented a quiet time for herself. The phone came off the hook from 12 - 2 every day - it was her one time during the day in which she could partake of restful activities. Rejuvination is such an important thing!Deb Hhttp://www.justthetwoofus.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-73933489136950571022009-12-11T12:01:17.805-05:002009-12-11T12:01:17.805-05:00It's so important that we all learn how to gea...It's so important that we all learn how to gear down and reflect and rejuvinate ourselves. The younger we learn it the better. Reading books has always been a big part of our down-time. My son likes to do puzzles and Legos so I let him do that during our quiet-time. My daughter is now 20 and at university and she told me that she was so happy she learned how to gear down and reflect and just "be". It's a good way to relieve stress and refocus on what needs to be done.<br /><br />KristinaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-11403944717979559322009-12-11T11:49:03.072-05:002009-12-11T11:49:03.072-05:00Monica, Books on tape with earphones are also a gr...Monica, Books on tape with earphones are also a great quiet time activity.<br />Playdough and water colors are good too.:DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-52353759520769475712009-12-11T10:48:36.667-05:002009-12-11T10:48:36.667-05:00We LOVE QT at our house! From about 1 till 3, all...We LOVE QT at our house! From about 1 till 3, all it still at our house. It is essential because my 3yr old and 9 month old (and mommy) need naps, and my 5 year old huge bundle of social energy needs some forced down time.<br /><br />Training the oldest was not easy, it included me sitting on the bed beside her while she laid quietly and I did bible study or read a book. But now she stays on her bed and reads quietly for almost 90 straight minutes! <br /><br />I have chosen to be really strict with quiet time, mainly because my super high energy girl needs very strong rules to keep her focused.<br /><br />It is a huge blessing to know our family will have peace (almost) every afternoon. <br /><br />The older girls stayed with a family for 2 days that does not have QT. It was amazing how much self discipline was lost in those 2 days without down time!<br /><br />Oh, I also trained my girls in a "driving quiet time". We pile in the van at 130 and go driving around the countryside for a while. They look quietly out the windows or nap -- no toys, no books, no talking, no questions. I play sweet piano music on the radio and I get some great thinking time on my mini vacation through the countryside.Anissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16022378701138699708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-57721754987655836282009-12-11T09:46:20.506-05:002009-12-11T09:46:20.506-05:00You are right in that quiet time is always changin...You are right in that quiet time is always changing. When I only had 3-5 kids, they all laid on their beds for quiet time, reading or whatever.<br />Now, with 8 still at home with me all day, we do things a bit different. My 14 yr old usually does focused schoolwork during quiet time. It's a time she can concentrate on some tougher subjects, and since she is not a morning person, it works well for her.<br />Everybody else gathers in the living room, spreads out on the furniture and floor, and I put in a video. They all rest quietly while watching their one video of the day, and occasionally someone falls asleep.<br />I do allow my 11, 10, and 9 yr olds to read or draw or something like that in their bedroom if they choose.<br />And I usually have my computer time then. I try not to be on the computer when they are up and around; at least not blog reading.<br />So, that's whatworks for us right now. Sorry to be so long winded!!<br />See you tonite!<br />DawnDawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00786471892114770247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-64775685464850757952009-12-11T09:19:33.391-05:002009-12-11T09:19:33.391-05:00thank you SO much for the post on this topic!!!! t...thank you SO much for the post on this topic!!!! this is really a struggle for me right now. but, I think that with a little work, we can get that hour in at least with her. i'd really like to get it back to 2 hrs. though. 1 hr. is just not long enough!!!! thanks for the ideas!! I like the sign on the door and the answering machine. because... the phone ALWAYS rings during nap time!! argh!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08199150169953962857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-34627867598559096882009-12-11T09:11:29.857-05:002009-12-11T09:11:29.857-05:00We have a very similair "rest time" in t...We have a very similair "rest time" in the afternoons, normally at 1 or 1:30. My 2yo takes a nap while my 4yo plays quietly in his room by himself for one hour. At times I have felt guilty about "making" him do this, but whenever I have skipped it, I notice that he is unsettled. I really think everyone is happier having this down time. I have heard of other homeschool families that continue this into the school years with a quiet reading time in the afternoon of 30 - 60 minutes. Sometimes I have "rest time" also. Other times I use it to get caught up on work. It's great to hear that others are implementing the same ideas!Bessershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06506906779856272619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-78931404024172028702009-12-11T09:11:24.523-05:002009-12-11T09:11:24.523-05:00My oldest has quiet time of just resting on his be...My oldest has quiet time of just resting on his bed, he very rarely sleeps but lays there while the four younger ones sleep. One is about to outgrow sleeping and we will have to change around to accommodate that. I usually have my Bible study then read blogs, I try to rest and not do any work during that time. Working during nap didn't seem to help the work load, just kept me from resting. I enjoyed reading what works in your home. Thanks!Audrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02176860063890184522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-84096082648537149572009-12-11T08:14:22.341-05:002009-12-11T08:14:22.341-05:00I was so disappointed when my daughter stopped nap...I was so disappointed when my daughter stopped napping in the afternoon. At that time, she would lay in her bed and sing. That didn't seem very quiet and restful, so we implemented quiet time for her. She has what we call "the big blue book bucket" which is a blue plastic tub that was intended to hold ice and drinks. It holds some of her favorite books, and we put it up her bed with her. Then she reads during her quiet time. She's only 4, but she loves this time to herself. She's usually in a better mood when she's done too.<br /><br />I hadn't thought about quiet time for me too. I try to get done many of the things that I don't like to do while she's up and about. I do most of my computer work when she's having quiet time. That's usually relaxing for me, so I guess that could be considered some personal time for me. I may have to rethink that part of the quiet time though. Thanks!Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05511703689947793049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-28726187552661676682009-12-11T07:52:00.094-05:002009-12-11T07:52:00.094-05:00I really like this... I have been thinking about h...I really like this... I have been thinking about how to implement this somehow -soon- into our lives. My little still sleep - my time is then "catching up" on things when in reality (like you said) this is just as important for mamma to be relaxed and rested. I think I can still sew "quietly", though. ;)<br /><br />I LOVE the sign on the door...idea!<br />Awhile ago I was telling Scott that I should do this because inevitably someone always comes to the door while they are both napping... <br /><br />Thanks for great ideas~ again.Bevy @ Treasured Up and Ponderedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15821971923515558110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-47350458706693276462009-12-11T06:48:04.919-05:002009-12-11T06:48:04.919-05:00I think this is so important too. I have teens an...I think this is so important too. I have teens and I feel like we all still need a "quiet" time. Things get really crazy and I want my kids to realize that they need to take time out to just be. I am reading a book called 30 ways in 30 days to save your family. I just read a chapter yesterday about creating a family quiet time. Glad to see that you are doing that in your family. I was good at it when they were little but I am having to come up with new ideas as they get older. The book have some good ideas. Thanks for reminding us that we need to have quiet time in our busy lives.smalltowngirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16014902781780272458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617895.post-90140266727735748652009-12-11T06:47:36.521-05:002009-12-11T06:47:36.521-05:00I think that is a very nice idea. I did similar wh...I think that is a very nice idea. I did similar when my girls were small. Sometimes I would let them watch a movie...they usually ended up falling asleep. At this time of year I used to have a little nativity set that I would let them play with.aspiritofsimplicityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14870339828098281415noreply@blogger.com