Often caring for children or for ourselves for that matter sometimes, feels like a delicate balance of ingredients. At times the balance is there and all is well, at other times it’s out of balance and everyone is feeling that stress. Planning for a measured and balanced approach goes a long way. The balance between active and quiet activities makes a huge difference in how the day progresses.
How do we plan for that balance? How do we include balance into our day as parents and caregivers? Begin with a plan and develop a routine which includes active and high energy activities offset by quieter activities that highlight creativity, focus or introspection. In addition everyone, yes – everyone, should have some real downtime each day. For the youngest ones, this means sleep time. For older children, parents, and caregivers this means quiet solitary pursuits.
Downtime is time to refresh and recharge. It is beneficial to every one of us. Babies, toddlers, and younger preschool children truly benefit from one or more naps per day. Older children and adults may also appreciate a nap, but often schedules don’t allow for that. However, sitting down, putting your feet up, getting cozy with a book or quiet project can be just as rejuvenating. Make downtime a plan in your daily routine for all.
Often parents will start cutting back on naps as a result of their young children not going down well at night or sleeping fully through the night. They assume that the nap or rest time during the day is the culprit. Another option would be to critically look at the amount of active play and high energy activities. Is there enough time devoted each day to this type of play and activities? Are the high energy activities at the best time of day for that child? Sometimes just moving the daily routines around will result in better sleep at night while not sacrificing the daytime nap or quiet time.
Baby, child, parent or caregiver – we all benefit from a balanced approach to active and quiet pursuits. Including it in your routine or schedule takes some thought and consideration, but worth it in the end.
