One of the best things I did when my kids were little

One of the best things I did when my kids were little ~ Written by Jamie C. Martin

One of the best things I did when my kids were little: I made rest a priority.

Not just for me, but for them, too.

This began with nap times – encouraging my kids to nap and when I had multiple kids, encouraging them to nap at the same time (no small feat!).

I panicked a bit when it appeared that they were ready to drop nap time altogether. As an introverted, stay-at-home mom who intended to homeschool, going without any downtime did not appear an attractive or realistic option.

And so I began the process of teaching the kids to have an afternoon rest time.

This became so valuable that I honestly could not imagine our lifestyle without it. In the beginning, it was about survival and stability.

It was not always easy. There were many interruptions. There was gentle training. Some days it felt more like a training time than a rest time.

Then we reached that magical tipping point, and it began to add peace to our afternoons.

My children did some of their best quiet reading and creative work during this hour and a half to two hours alone. It gave me time to complete much of my creative work and rest, too.

With two children graduated and one finishing up high school, I can confidently say that building rest into our day made it possible for me to homeschool long-term. But you don’t need to be a homeschooling parent to benefit from rest!

I wanted to equip myself to stay healthy as a mom for the long-haul, so early on, I made a plan. That plan has proved so fruitful.

If you’re an overwhelmed mama reading today, may I encourage you to make rest a priority, too?

You deserve to enjoy your days as you serve your family – resting enables you to do just that.

Ready for more calm, less guilt, and quiet joy as a mother? I’d love for you to join my Introverted Moms’ community – open now!