I struggled with this too. She did not like it at first to be put down for quiet time but now she has gotten used to it. We just started out by saying, quiet time and gave her some books, etc. Of course she would cry for a while and if it was just getting worse then we would take her out but friends of mine do quiet time with their 3 year old dd and she says the same thing, she needs the time out or else she will go crazy. After a while of the same practice it gets to be routine and they get used to it. Good luck!

It's all my kids have ever known.

It can often help to have a story time first. Everyone snuggle up on the couch and read a book or two. 15 minutes is good. Then, "Ok, quiet time for all" Around here, no toys allowed for quiet time. Quiet time means sleeping or reading. As they get older and I know they're not likely to sleep, they have reading time. Of their choice, unless they've been slacking in their 'big book', in which case I assign a minimum of 30 minutes reading in that, then they can read something else.

My kids are used to doing this, as I've said. They will stay in their rooms, reading and/or napping for 2 hours most days. But I suppose if you're just now starting such a thing, that might be an unreasonable expectation.

However, there's no reason they couldn't stay in there for a minimum of 30 minutes. If you don't expect them to sleep, and it really doesn't matter in their attitudes, then ok, some quiet toys for just this time would be fine. But as I said, I, personally do not allow that. Books or nothing here. Even the non-readers. My 2 yr old has taken a book to bed/nap with her since she was old enough to walk and carry one there. :)

I say start with a family story time and go from there. Everybody to their rooms for 15 minutes or so. If that goes well, stretch it to 30 and go from there. Just make sure you state it's a "family quiet time" that no one is 'immune' to it hehe That helps. Rather than just saying 'you' are going to have quiet time. It's a household thing, makes a difference.

Tara's advice sounds really good. Around here, quiet time is 1:00 to 3:00, and that's the way it's always been. Audrey's fought me a couple of times recently, but I stayed firm and told her to go to her room. I don't forbid her to play with her toys, though, and that's usually what she does until she passes out. Today, she fell asleep UNDER the bed, lol. I have no idea what that was all about, but I found her when I was checking on her and had to wake her to put her in bed.

But, if your kids aren't used to quiet time, ease them into it, like Tara said. And then just extend the amount of time in their room week by week. Fifteen minutes, then twenty, and so on, until they're in there for an hour or two, depending on how much time you need.

I agree with all the other moms. I started putting my kids down for aftrnoon nap as soon as they were born so they have always had it. Mine are 4, 2, and 4 mo. Usually they don't have anything to play with because they don't fll asleep then. Sometimes they will take a book for 15 min. or so. It is good for the kids and I really need that time to catch up on things or relax. Don't feel bad for insisting on it. The kids need the time too, even if they don't want it! :o

When hubby's home during the day, we all go down right after lunch..we sleep she plays quietly...occasionally she'll put herself to bed or read a stack of books...basically we need a nap whether she does or not

Tara's advice was perfecto

I had posted about this earlier this year. When my daughter turned three, she started giving up naps. So even though she resisted at first, I insisted that she go to her room for quiet time for at least an hour each day. She would sneak out of her room sometimes (and still does!) but I am consitent and just send her right back to her room and explain that this is quiet time for everyone. Be vigilant and your kiddos will catch on that it is unexceptable to be loud and rowdy during quiet time. Good luck! :)

I just put Abby in her room even if she won't sleep. She has toys to play with in there. If I come back an hour later and find a cyclone in her room I know she hasn't slept LOL If it's tidy and she's in bed then I know she has slept. I don't care either way as long as I get some quiet time. Actually when she is in her room I do the housework. If Sophie is sleeping too. :)

I'll always do this. Even when she is 3 and 4. If she doesn't want to sleep that's fine but she is to stay in her room and play or read a book or something. Am I mean or what? LOL