Ask Jill & Jennifer - Modern Mom's Sleep Experts

Karen, mother of Aiden

It can be very beneficial for young children to have some rest time each day once they stop napping.  Parents can continue to call this time "quiet time" or "rest time" and should make sure it happens at approximately the same time every day for at least a half hour.  (Many preschools and daycare facilities structure this into their day.)  Children can lie down if they want to, or play quietly in a less noisy area of the home (usually a bedroom works best).  Children can spend time alone, especially if they don't have many other opportunities to do so; it's important for children to have downtime, so they can process all that's happening in their day and so they have opportunities to engage in creative play.  On the other hand, if this is the only time during the day that you and your child have time alone together, you might want to either rest with your child or engage in a low-stimulation activity (drawing, reading) that allows you to enjoy each other without distractions.