Quiet Time in Our Homeschool: Why We’ve Kept This Routine for Years
Quiet Time has been a core part of our homeschool since my children dropped naps, and honestly, I don’t know what I would do without it. What started as a way for me to get a mental break in the middle of the day has now become something that the whole family counts on.
What is Quiet Time?
Quiet Time is a dedicated period in the afternoon when everyone spends time alone, doing quiet activities. It typically lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the child’s age and needs.
How We Started Quiet Time
When my oldest (C1) stopped napping around age 4, I knew I still needed a mid-day reset. We started with just 10 minutes of quiet time, using a Hatch Rest to indicate when it was over (by sound/color). Each week, we added 5 more minutes, slowly working up to an hour of independent time. Over time, my kids adapted, and now:
C1 (10 years old) will happily extend quiet time as long as we let him.
C2 (8 years old) does well with 1.5 hours.
C3 (5 years old) is solid for about an hour, and we are gradually increasing it.
What the Kids Do During Quiet Time
Each child has different preferences, but they all know the rules: entertain yourself, not with your siblings, and no screens. Here’s what Quiet Time looks like in our home:
Audiobooks on the Yoto Player – A HUGE game changer for keeping them entertained.
LEGO or Block Play
Imaginative Play with Open-Ended Toys (See my post on open-ended play)
Puzzles & Playdough
Drawing, Crafting, and Handicrafts (I’ll write more on this soon!)
Reading & Journaling
Playing Outside (weather permitting)
Why We Stick with Quiet Time
Mental Reset for Everyone – Homeschooling is intense, and I need that downtime to recharge.
Encourages Independent Play – Kids learn to entertain themselves and develop creativity.
Prevents Afternoon Burnout – Instead of everyone getting cranky by 3 PM, we get a fresh start for the second half of the day.
Tips for Establishing Quiet Time
Start small. Even 5-10 minutes is a win, and you can build from there.
Use a visual timer. We love our Hatch Clock, but any timer will work.
Make it consistent. The more routine it is, the easier it becomes.
Have a plan. Give kids ideas for activities so they aren’t aimlessly wandering.
Final Thoughts
Quiet Time has been a lifesaver for our homeschool. It’s not just about giving me a break—it’s about creating a daily rhythm that benefits everyone. If you’re feeling burnt out, I highly recommend trying it!
