anatomy of Quiet Time

i truly believe that a child needs some sort of break each day.  where they just take time to be still and quiet.  

whether it is to play quietly in their rooms, do a project at the table by themselves, or for the little ones...take a nap.

at our house we have Quiet Time.  

while Charlie takes his nap, Matilda...who is quickly outgrowing such things...has Quiet Time.

she knows that she needs to stay in her room, be quiet, and preferably stay in her bed.  she may come out if she needs to use the potty or has a big problem.  we only keep a few toys in her room that are specifically for quiet play {a few babies, littlest pet shops, paper dolls, and little princesses}.  she has her bookcase next to her bed, which is bursting at the seams with all kinds of books.  she also has a little tent hanging from the ceiling, with pillows underneath, so she can read or play in there as well.  

as i always say...Quiet Time is good for EVERYONE!  

it is usually my one moment of sanity during the day.  and something for me to look forward to during the crazy hours of the morning.  it is the one time of day where i can make phone calls, work on a project, eat lunch, or finally sit down.  

and yes, it is worth the few battles i have had to fight.

i really don't give my kids a choice.  i have learned that consistency is key with children of any age.

i tell Matilda she doesn't have to go to sleep...but she does HAVE to be relatively quiet.  i often hear her singing, using her imagination, and processing what has gone on during the day.  and sometimes she even falls asleep!  this usually only happens on extremely active days for her or when her brain has had enough.  

i am still hoping that when Charlie gets to this stage he will be just as great...he is definitely different, but i still think it is so important for them {and me!}.

i just had to document this today...it was too darling...and getting more rare each day!!

love that she is still clutching the bag!

princesses all lined up on the rug...ready for their dates!!

so many books...how does she even fit in the bed??!!

more princess babies and tons of blankets...a must!

the littlest pet shop's...the newest interest...thanks to aunt michelle and her cousins!

ps...have i mentioned i love Quiet Time??!!

what do you do at your house?  any suggestions?