Today I’m gonna talk about how to have a focused quiet time with kids at home.
And yes, I’m talking to YOU, stay at home mama of littles and never ending laundry.
I get it: I’m a stay at home mama to two littles, and currently pregnant with our third little one on the way. But I’ve found that pursuing my “quiet” time (which really should be called purposeful time in the word) is ALWAYS worth it.
So first things first, let’s get one big thing out of the way:
Your children are *not* the reason that you’re not having a focused quiet time.
Whaaaat?! Did she really just say that?
Yes, yes I did.
It’s also not the never ending pile of laundry, the dirty dishes in the sink, the endless meals that you need to cook/prepare for your household, or any of your other duties that are ever-pressing and before you.
So what is it then? It’s your thoughts.
What we THINK, we become. And I’m not trying to be all new-agey.
Let’s break it down, on a practical level – first we’ll start with a negative thought loop:
- You think the thought, “I can’t have a quiet time because (enter excuse – my kids don’t nap, I don’t have time, there’s too much X to do, I don’t know how to do it or what I’d even read, etc).”
- When you think that thought, how do you feel? Probably pretty down in the dumps about it. Reading that, I don’t feel super motivated to pick up my Bible.
- So then what happens? You probably don’t pick up your Bible. Because of ALL THE REASONS. Which feel valid… but they are still excuses. And it’s still in the back of your mind, eating at you, and making you feel pretty bad about the fact it didn’t happen.
Now, let’s break it down, but with a POSITIVE thought loop:
- You think the thought, “I’m excited to pursue a quiet time today. Even if it’s not quiet, and I get interrupted a bunch, I know God will honor my pursuit and time spent.”
- When you think THAT thought, how do you feel? Personally, I feel pretty jazzed. I don’t feel pressured to make my quiet time something it isn’t, but instead have set myself up with grace to let things play out. And rest assured, God understands the season that I’m in.
- So then what happens? You probably will pursue a quiet time. And not be mad at the situation, or your kids, when you inevitably get interrupted. So you actually end up reading your Bible. Even if it’s short, you feel proud that you at least read something.
Woah, do you SEE the HUGE difference there?!
So that’s why your thoughts, they are THE most powerful tool in having a focused quiet time, even with littles at home.
If this just blew your mind – I encourage you to share about it on social media (so others can learn too) and then tag me on social media so I can see it and encourage you, friend!
But while we’re at it, let’s also talk about some practical tips… because while thoughts ARE powerful, they are only the fuel to actions. And it can still feel like there’s so many other factors playing, too.
Let’s chat a few practical tips for how to have a focused quiet time with kids at home!
Tip #1:
Be honest with the timing: you *know* how your family rhythm works, and when/what would work best for a quiet time.
There’s no rule that says your quiet time has to be quiet, has to be in the morning, and cannot have any distractions. Sure, I do think there’s importance in finding space to seclude (I mean, even Jesus did) and spend alone time with God.
But I also think God honors our current season.
So be honest with yourself: CAN you wake up earlier? Do you have free time when the kids are napping that you could spend in his word instead of scrolling on social media or doing chores?
I’m not trying to judge: just trying to be realistic. I want you to be honest with yourself.
And if truly the only realistic time to do your quiet time is when the kids are awake, that’s great!
Tip #2:
If your littles are around, here’s a few things I do that help me do quiet time with them:
- I talk to them about it. I have a 3 year old and 1 year old, and my 3 year old understands, “Hey baby, mama is gonna spend a few minutes reading her Bible on the couch.” He’ll even usually sit with me and do his own quiet time.
- If your littles aren’t good at sitting, find an activity they enjoy – whether that’s toys, screen time (if you do that) or just letting them be outside. Be encouraged that the more you do this, the more they’ll get used to it and feel like it’s norm. It will get easier.
- Invite them to be a part of it with you! Whether that’s your reading aloud to them, talking about what you’ve learned, or doing a devo with them… They’ll feel special to be included.
Tip #3:
Let me encourage you mama: it does get easier. And the pursuit is worth it.
The first few days/tries might feel like pulling teeth. It might feel like you can’t get more than 30 seconds of Bible time. But keep at it. The time will build, and you’ll find a groove that makes sense for you.
And just think about the LEGACY that you’re creating.
That someday your children will think back about you and say, “My mama always prioritized time in God’s word.” Like HOW INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.
Anyways, this post has a lot of words… So we’re gonna wrap this up.
If you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful, I’d appreciate it if you shared! You can share it with a friend who might also find it useful, or share on social media (don’t forget to tag me) so more people can be encouraged!
Here’s a few recent posts you might be interested in checking out (or you can check out my “faith” specific blog posts here):
