Since having my third child I have discovered something essential to my day: “Quiet Time”.

Every day after lunch, my daughter goes to her room for her nap, my son goes to his room to read books and I try to get the baby down for a nap, too.  This, occasionally, results in a little bit of time to myself.  Sometimes I get to use that time to clean up the mess from lunch, or go on the computer for a bit, but usually it results in quality one-on-one time with one of the kids.  If the baby does go down for a nap, I’ll get to hang out with my four-year-old for a bit… just us, or if he is agreeably reading in his room for a while I will get to really connect and play with my baby while my two-year-old sleeps.

Having that time with just one kid, or none that need my immediate attention, has really given me the ability to clear my head and feel like I have had a chance to regroup after a full morning of play, mess, reading, more play and more mess… all the while trying to accomplish something from my to-do list, as well.

The other advantage I have found is that my oldest son has really grown in his interest to spend time reading by himself.  Often, after he has spent some time reading in his room, he will come out with book in hand and we will get to read it together.

When the kids wake up and finish their quiet time I feel recharged and more patient and ready to plan something fun for us to do together.

What’s your secret?

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A reminder that you can find the Spring Mother Goose Program Schedule (as well as lots of other local playgroups) available here.

Lastly, we’ve started a new directory of great local parks and playgrounds.  It is a work in progress and we need your help, too.  Check it out and get out into the community to check out the park nearest you, take a picture and then e-mail me your picture and your review, as well as the park address.