Why Every Stay-at-Home Mom Needs Daily Quiet Time (and How to Make It Happen!)
If you’re home with your kids all day, you know how full and lively motherhood can be. From the moment those little feet hit the floor in the morning until bedtime, your day is filled with conversations, meals, playtime, and endless opportunities to guide and nurture. It’s a beautiful, busy season—but it also means finding moments of rest is really important.
That’s why I started having daily quiet time when my oldest stopped taking naps. We both needed a point in the day to rest and reset.
Quiet time isn’t just about getting a little peace (though, let’s be honest, that part is amazing). It helps kids reset, recharge, and learn independence while giving moms a much-needed pause in the middle of the day.
So if you’re feeling stretched thin and wondering how to build some rest into your day, let’s talk about why quiet time is so important, how to introduce it at different ages, and what your kids can actually do during that time.
Why Daily Quiet Time is a Game-Changer
If you’ve ever hit that point in the afternoon when your patience is wearing thin and felt yourself running on fumes, quiet time is your solution. Here’s why it’s so valuable:
- Moms need a breather.
You love your kids, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need a moment to yourself. Having a set quiet time means you can sit down, read, pray, journal, or just drink your coffee while it’s hot—and teach your children that you are not their source of constant entertainment. - Kids learn to rest and self-regulate.
They don’t need to be entertained every second of the day (and they shouldn’t). A quiet break helps them slow down, process their emotions, and develop independence. - It’s a great way to break up the day.
Without quiet time, the day can feel a bit endless sometimes. A midday pause helps reset everyone’s mood and keeps the late-afternoon meltdowns at bay. - It reduces overstimulation.
Constant noise, activity, and sibling interactions can wear everyone out. Even kids who don’t think they need quiet time usually come out of it feeling calmer and happier.
How to Start Daily Quiet Time (at Any Age!)
The key to making quiet time successful? Consistency. It won’t be perfect from day one (expect resistance at first!), but if you stick with it, it will become a normal and expected part of your day. And make all the difference.
Here’s how to make it work for different ages:
Toddlers (18 months – 3 years)
- If they still nap, keep that routine. I try to get my kiddos to nap until they are around 5 years old!
- If they’re dropping naps, start with 10-15 minutes of quiet solo play before getting them up.
- Give them board books, stuffed animals, or a simple puzzle on a blanket, near you.
- Use a visual timer (like a sand timer) so they know when it’s over.
- Start small. Even just 10 minutes at this age is a win. Teach them to stay on the blanket for quiet time. Gentle redirection and kind yet firm instruction is key.
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- This is when quiet time really starts taking shape. I started around this age with my oldest son, beginning with 30 minutes and gradually working up to an hour.
- Set up a quiet time basket with books, puzzles, and small toys, pillows and blankets.
- Use a Visual timer so they know when they can come out.
- If they resist, sit near their room at first and slowly transition to them being alone. It took about 3-4 days for my oldest to be okay with quiet time.
Elementary Kids (5-10 years)
- Quiet time can include reading, journaling, LEGOs, or drawing.
- Audiobooks are a great option if they aren’t into sitting quietly for long. We LOVE our Yoto Player!
- Let them choose their quiet time activity from a pre-approved list so they feel independent.
Older Kids (10+)
- Encourage reading, Bible time, journaling, or a quiet hobby.
- Set expectations—quiet time means no screens, no talking, and no loud activities.
- This is a great time for them to develop a habit of journaling or creative work.
Quiet Time Activities for Kids
If your kids are used to constant entertainment, quiet time might take some getting used to. Here are some screen-free activity ideas to make it easier:
- Books – Picture books, chapter books, or audiobooks – check out the Yoto Player!
- Coloring or Activity Books – Crayons, Water Wow books, or sticker books
- Puzzles – Something they can work on alone
- Journaling or Copywork – For older kids, let them write or copy a favorite Bible verse
- Building Toys – LEGOs and Magnatiles are a favorite around here
- Soft Music or Nature Sounds – Helps set a calm atmosphere
- Printable Worksheets – Dot-to-dots, mazes, or quiet activity packs
- Stuffed Animals or Dolls – Encourage pretend play
Tips for Making Quiet Time a Habit
- Start small. If your kids aren’t used to quiet time, begin with just 10-15 minutes and build up from there.
- Use a timer. Let them see how long quiet time will last. Visual timers work great for younger kids.
- Keep them in one space. A bedroom or a designated “quiet time spot” helps reinforce the habit.
- Set the tone. Dim lights, play soft music, and make it feel like a special, peaceful time rather than a chore.
- No screens. The goal is quiet, independent time—not zoning out on a device.
- Make it part of your routine. The best time for quiet time is usually after lunch when everyone starts feeling a little tired or overstimulated.
Handling Resistance to Quiet Time
It’s totally normal for kids to resist quiet time at first, my son did, especially when they’re used to being in constant motion. Whether you have a toddler who’s just starting to drop naps or a young child who’s never had a set quiet time, introducing this new routine can feel like an uphill battle. But don’t be discouraged! Quiet time is incredibly valuable for both you and your children, and with some patience, consistency, and creativity, your little ones will soon begin to embrace it.
Here are a few strategies for handling resistance and making the transition smoother:
1. Start Small and Build Up Gradually
When introducing quiet time, it’s important not to expect perfection from the get-go. Start small—even 10-15 minutes can make a big difference. For a 2-year-old who’s never had quiet time, don’t aim for an hour right away. Begin with a short time slot, and as your child gets used to the idea, you can gradually increase the duration. This approach helps them understand that quiet time isn’t a punishment, but just a natural part of the day. Over time, it’ll become a normal part of their daily routine.
2. Make it Fun and Engaging
The key to getting kids to accept quiet time is to make it feel like something they can look forward to. You can do this by creating a quiet time basket filled with their favorite books, toys, or even a devotional book for older children to flip through. For younger ones, consider board books or soft toys to encourage a soothing and peaceful environment.
If they’re still hesitant, try giving them an option between different activities (like a sticker book or simple puzzles) to make them feel a sense of independence. Giving them a choice in how they spend their quiet time allows them to feel more in control, reducing feelings of resistance.
3. Establish Clear Expectations and Boundaries
Kids thrive on structure, so it’s important to set clear expectations around quiet time from the very beginning. Explain why it’s necessary and what the rules are during this time—no yelling, no running, no distractions. Reinforce the idea that this is a special time for everyone to have a break and reset.
If your child resists, remind them gently that quiet time is important for everyone in the family, including you. For homeschool moms especially, it’s crucial to set these boundaries as part of the daily routine, even if the day feels full with school work and other commitments. You can even teach them that quiet time is an opportunity to hear from God’s Word or enjoy a moment of stillness that recharges their hearts and minds.
4. Use Visual or Audio Cues
Sometimes younger kids need something more tangible to understand when quiet time starts and ends. A visual timer, like a sand timer or a digital countdown, can be a game-changer. By seeing the time pass, they’ll understand that quiet time isn’t forever and will be over soon. For preschoolers and up, using the audio Bible or soft music might help signal the transition into quiet time, making it feel more like an intentional routine.
5. Be Consistent and Patient
Like any new habit, establishing quiet time requires patience. Don’t expect it to go smoothly every single day. There will be times when your child fights it, but don’t give up! If your child isn’t ready, don’t force it—but consistently remind them that quiet time is coming. Over time, with your consistency, your child will come to understand that this is simply part of their daily time.
Even on days when you feel like it’s not working, remember that quiet time is a process. It’s okay if they struggle for a little while, especially if they’re new to this routine. The goal is to provide a regular time for everyone to pause, rest, and grow in independence. And even on tough days, trust that this quiet hour is an important thing for building lifelong habits of solitary reflection and peace.
6. Encourage Self-Regulation and Independence
As your children get used to quiet time, encourage them to take responsibility for their own quiet time activities. With older kids (think 5 and up), you can start allowing them to choose their own quiet time activities from a pre-approved list, such as Bible study, prayer time, or journaling. By giving them the opportunity to engage in activities that require little direction from you, you’re helping them develop valuable skills in self-regulation and independent play.
This self-regulation can even carry over into other areas of their life, teaching them to value time alone with God and developing their ability to entertain themselves. You’re laying a foundation for them to recognize the importance of taking a step back from the demands of motherhood or everyday life to find peace and quiet.
By staying consistent and creative, you can help your child embrace quiet time, no matter their age. Whether it’s Bible reading, prayer time, or simply taking a much-needed break, these quiet moments will soon become a cherished part of your family’s routine, fostering spiritual growth, personal reflection, and emotional well-being for everyone.
How Quiet Time Changed Our Days
I can’t tell you how many times quiet time has saved my sanity as a stay-at-home mom. When I had two toddlers in the house, it was never quiet except when it was Quiet Time!
Before we had a set quiet time, my afternoons felt like a never-ending stretch of snack requests, sibling fights, and exhaustion. But once I started making quiet time a non-negotiable part of our routine, the shift an answer to prayer.
Not only do I feel more refreshed, but my kids have learned how to rest, be still, and entertain themselves—valuable skills that will serve them well for life.
Final Thoughts: Stick With It!
If you’re home with your kids all day and feeling like you never get a moment to breathe, daily quiet time might be exactly what you need. A stressed out, impatient mom is not who you want to be. Quiet time can give you back that patience that wears thin through the day.
It takes some training at first, but once it’s in place, it makes a world of difference. You’ll be a more patient, present, and joyful mom, and your kids will be better at self-regulating, independent play, and emotional reset.
So give it a try, and don’t give up if it takes a little time to stick. You and your kids both deserve a break.
Do you do quiet time in your home? What works best for your kids? Let’s chat in the comments!
Now, ready for peaceful sibling relationships? Me too!! Read this post next: How to Encourage Strong & Healthy Sibling Relationships
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