Quiet Time

Miss.SingSong is in that murky phase of sometimes still wanting two naps, but sometimes only wanting one nap.  She's also in that phase of crying for dear life if she is not in the exact same place as I am.  She literally is not happy unless she is sitting on my feet, or in my lap if it's available.  Anyone else know what I'm talking about, or is this unique in our home?

If I've had to step into another room for a second to put something away, she will cry like I've abandoned her to the world and will never return.  When I do return and sit down, she climbs up to me and holds me with the death grip; this girl is not letting me go!  

I love my daughter, and I want to give her everything she needs.  This girl needs to have confidence that she can do some things on her own.  She also needs confidence to know that I am never permanently gone.  So we are doing quiet time.

I've recently seen a few posts in the homeschool groups that I've joined asking about how homeschool parents function with no "me time."  I don't think I can function without my "me time."  And so I'm determined that Miss.SingSong will learn to enjoy her quiet time.  This is just a normal part of her routine so that we can all survive each other and get through the next 17+ years of homeschooling!

I always thought that I would use the crib as a holding place when she needs a time out; the problem with that is that she loves her crib too much.  So the crib has become her quiet time place.  When she's looking a little tired or stressed, or when I'm a little tired or stressed, we have quiet time.  I put her down much like I would for a nap, except that she gets a few extra toys and books in the crib with her.

Asleep during quiet time.

More and more she's been falling asleep during quiet time, and that is awesome!  Because she's still so much happier when she gets two naps.  But even if she doesn't take a nap, she is still a little more relaxed and can handle playing with me in the same room instead of in the same space after some quiet time.  

What do I do during quiet time?  Sometimes I get some quick cleaning done, sometimes I read my library book, sometimes I meditate and pray, and sometimes I take a nap!  I do want her to see me doing chores, after all.

Any tips as to what has worked in your homes for teaching independent play?  Miss.SingSong used to be so much better at that.