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When things are hectic, and free time is nonexistant there is one thing you can do that can literally save your homeschool. This idea saved my homeschool and it can help yours as well!
I remember the days of nap time. Do you? The moment when all the little ones laid down at the same time and you were able to enjoy 1-2 hours of peace. Aah, those were the days, right? I don’t think kids realize how much they are going to MISS naptime when they are adults. Seriously. Someone should warn them or something….
Anyway, I remember those days. They were nice because in those 1-2 hours I was able to get things done. Things I wanted to do. Things like reading a book, catching up with a friend, binge watching tv… That was a time I looked forward to each and every day.
Fast forward a few years and my kids don’t nap. Which means my time is GONE. At least it was. Until an angel by the name of Chrystal Evans Hurst introduced me to 2-4. Ladies, let me tell you that 2-4 saved my homeschool.
What is 2-4?
2-4 is time each day where the kids are QUIET. And mom is able to have some much needed time alone. 2-4 is a sanity saver. 2-4 is a life saver. 2-4 is GENIUS!
What happens during 2-4?
Well, this will look different for everyone but for us it is when I do things like write, read a book, take a class, listen to a podcast, return phone calls, take a walk, mark things off of MY to do list. It is the time when I can do all those things that I don’t ever have time to do. One thing that I have promised myself is that if at all possible I would NOT spend this time working.
For the kids, it is the time where they are quiet. Think nap time for school agers. During this time, there is a list of things my kids are able to do. This includes reading, doing puzzles, quiet board games, educational apps, or other things that require no noise or ME. These things must be done in their rooms or in separate corners of the house.
Does this really work?
YES!!! We tried it out for a few days and it was a little difficult to get my boy to understand, but after a week it has been amazing!
Why 2-4?
Short answer? You need this time. Seriously moms. We NEVER get a break. Like ever. Think of 2-4 as a lunch break for you. Think of it as office hours where you can grade papers uninterrupted, or return phone calls, pay bills, have down time. We all need that time and implementing 2-4 allows us to get it.
2-4 also teaches our kids to be independent. To learn how to rest themselves, and to take that time that they need as well. Our kids need rest just as much as we do, and I have found that after our 2-4 time was implemented my kids argued a LOT less. I truly believe this is because they have had time AWAY from each other.
Does it have to be 2-4?
No, Chrystal called it 2-4 and made it clear that everyone important to her knew that 2-4 was HER time. This is when she would return your call, check that email, read that book, or take a darling nap 😉 For us it has been 1-2, 2-3, and on good days 2-4. I aim for at least an hour every day.
So, if you find yourself pulling your hair out and wondering if or when you are ever going to get a break, I highly suggest 2-4 😉 Try it out for a week. You may find that it saves your homeschool and your sanity.
Hi Hinna! None of my kids nap anymore, yet we still implement this. There are a few ways you can do it.
1. Make a list of items that are “approved” quiet time materials. Send all kids to separate areas of the house and set a timer.
2. Let the kids watch a movie.
3. Have a reading basket and let the kids lay on the couch, in their beds, etc and read during quiet time.
These are all things we do during quiet time. Hope that helps some!
My daughter is just about done with napping. Any suggestions on how to implement quiet time?
We do quiet time too!! My younger two take a nap 1-3 while my 5 year old colors,reads etc. I sometimes put a timer on the oven so he know how long he has. IF he bugs me I add more minutes to the oven timer. During this time I sleep zzzzz. My brain is usually sizzling and needs a reboot lol! Thanks for sharing. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
My mother-in-law told me about this concept when my spark plugs were teeny tiny, and yes, it has SAVED my sanity! She raised 6 kids, all of whom had quiet time every afternoon through high school, so I figured she knew what she was talking about! It’s been some of the best parenting advice I’ve ever received! Thanks for sharing about it in depth here!
I know right?! Chrystal is a genius.
Way to go! I wish I would have implemented it a little sooner.
Exactly!
I’ve been doing this for years. When the kids no longer needed naps, they could read. It has caused me to be productive all these years because I need the break.
We have 1-3 at our house 🙂
When you outgrow your nap, you get quiet time.
This is great! I’ve always kept a quiet time over here, just because I’m an introvert and I need a quiet minute. I love calling it 2-4.