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Home › Articles › Crying Issues › A Good Time-out for Baby

A Good Time-out for Baby

Recharging Your Baby's Batteries

By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW

Pages:  1  2  3  

important aspects of our children's days. These events also create opportunities for our children to feel the need to grasp new skills and consistently process their adventures.

If there is a pattern to your routine, then look for chances to incorporate some quiet time. Consider occasionally reducing the amount of time spent running errands or shorten play dates. "I try to allow for my daughter to experience intentional relaxing moments in addition to her regular naptime," says Maria Schurring of Crystal Lake, Ill. "We use the extra time to read quietly or listen to soft music while snuggling together on the sofa." The mother of four finds this time rejuvenates both her and her youngest child, 1c-year-old Carly, because it also creates lasting memories and strengthens their bond.

On a day filled with several unexpected stops and activities, arrange your schedules in order for your child to have frequent short breaks that allow for downtime. Ten minutes to unwind and catch his breath while sitting in the car or on a park bench will pay off as you finish your day's routine. You both will appreciate a few moments to collect yourselves before tackling the remainder of your day.

"If you know you're going to have an unusually busy weekend, prepare your baby ahead of time by spending some casual time quietly at home," says Marsha Weingard, a licensed home daycare owner from Twin Lakes, Wis., and a mother of five children and grandmother of three. You will energize your baby and promote a calm attitude as he rests with you while you read a book together or you both flip through a favorite magazine. "I try to promote a calming atmosphere while the children are preparing to leave for the evening so they'll be in a calm state of mind to run errands when they leave or if they have a busy weekend planned," Weingard adds.

Rocking your small child is another soothing activity that will offer him the chance to unwind and allow his mind to relax. By creating an opportunity to be mentally refreshed, you give your baby the chance to approach your busy weekend with a positive attitude and to be ready for the following day.

If you're pressed to accomplish last minute tasks around your house, set him in the crib or playpen with one or two favorite toys. Create a serene environment by softly playing a relaxation CD or placing a small waterfall on a dresser in the room. Giving your baby the chance to focus on only one object and relax while playing quietly will not only give him the ability to unwind, but it will give you some necessary time. He will revel at the prospect of calmly investigating how to experience time to revive himself both physically and mentally.

Beth Eggers of Camillus, N.Y., has found that arranging for a friend or caretaker to spend time with her children while she runs a full day of tedious errands beneficial for everyone. "My children enjoy the break and I'm able to have some time alone to expeditiously tackle my tasks," says Eggers. When you return, you'll look forward to time spent with your child without the guilt of toting him around while he missed naps or scheduled feedings.

When children grow up in an environment that encourages a healthy balance of routine activities, spontaneity and periods of mental downtime, they will be better prepared to adapt to their lives as they develop. Learning to recognize the need to allow for mental breaks will be an asset as your child grows and matures. Your baby will learn how to incorporate all these skills and give himself the opportunity to regroup.


Pages:  1  2  3  

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