Slowing down is not only good for us, but the children too.
Quiet days are an essential part of a balanced routine for children and ourselves in a childminding setting. Here are several reasons why childminders should intentionally plan quiet days.
Supports Emotional Wellbeing
Children often experience sensory overload from active play, noise, and constant stimulation.
Quiet days help them unwind, process emotions, and feel calm and secure.
Encourages Rest and Recovery
Active play is physically and mentally tiring.
Quiet days allow for rest and help children recharge, reducing crankiness or overstimulation.
Promotes Concentration and Focus
Activities like reading, puzzles, drawing, or listening to soft music help children develop longer attention spans and better focus.
Builds Self-Regulation Skills
Learning to be still and engage in calm activities helps children manage their own energy and emotions.
It teaches them to slow down and be mindful, which is key for self-control.
Supports Language and Cognitive Development
Quiet days often involve storytelling, conversations, and reflection, which promote vocabulary growth and deeper thinking.
Provides Time for Observation and Reflection
For both children and childminders, quiet moments are opportunities to observe, reflect, and connect more deeply.
Childminders can assess children’s interests, development, or any concerns during these slower-paced times.
Balances the Weekly Routine
A mix of high-energy and calm days helps children adapt to different types of environments.
It sets a healthy rhythm that mirrors real-life patterns, preparing them for school and beyond.
Practical Examples of Quiet Day Activities:
• Reading stories together
• Nature walks
• Yoga or gentle stretching
• Sensory play (e.g. water beads, sand trays)
• Drawing or colouring
• Listening to calm music or nature sounds
In short, quiet days aren’t just restful, they’re developmentally valuable. They foster resilience, emotional maturity, and healthier minds and bodies for children.
We all need the above, including childminders. Slowing down ourselves is supporting our own wellbeing.
Why not download my mindful activity flashcards for quiet days.