Siesta for Children: Good or Bad? A Parenting Journey Insight

Introduction

In the journey of raising our children, we adopted a practice of encouraging our little ones to take a siesta after every meal. This tradition, a sort of siesta for children, was diligently upheld not only during the half-day school terms, but also throughout the holiday periods when the children were a bit more grown up. I am convinced that this practice had a positive effect on the children as they grew up, instilling in them a sense of discipline.

The Routine of a Siesta

Following their midday meal, our children, without any prompting from anyone, would naturally ease themselves into their siestas. This habit of a siesta for children was particularly beneficial when they had just begun school. We were indeed fortunate that our children's school was conveniently situated within the neighbourhood, a brisk five-minute drive away.

However, one might wonder about the children who face lengthy commutes and endure tedious hours in traffic to and from school. For these children, the practice of a siesta could prove to be exceedingly beneficial, providing them with much-needed rest in the midst of their hectic daily routines.

The Advantages of a Siesta

The benefits of a siesta for children extend well beyond instilling a sense of discipline in children. Upon waking from their siesta, the children would feel revitalised and fully prepared to engage in any activity with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, especially their homework! This restful break in the day not only recharges their physical energy but also rejuvenates their mental faculties, enhancing their ability to focus and learn.

Moreover, the siesta ritual also provides some precious 'me-time' for parents, a boon particularly for those who either work from home or are full-time caregivers to their little ones. As someone who has consistently juggled the roles of being a mother and a home-based worker, this hour or so of solitude was absolutely crucial. It provided me with a rare opportunity to recalibrate my focus and prioritise my own needs - a luxury that seems to vanish into thin air the moment you embrace motherhood and sometimes even marriage.

I am unwavering in my belief that the siesta significantly contributed to improving not just my self-care and performance, but also the overall well-being and productivity of the children. This daily practice of rest and rejuvenation is a powerful tool that has the potential to positively impact the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children.

Potential Downsides of a Siesta

In our household, the children would routinely settle for their siesta shortly after lunch, around 13:30 hours, and would naturally awaken by 16:00 hours. This routine functioned seamlessly, almost like clockwork. I can't recall a single instance where I needed to rouse them from their sleep.

To be entirely honest, I cannot remember encountering any negative implications associated with the children's siestas. We never felt the need to time their siestas strictly. However, one could speculate on potential issues that could arise if, for whatever reason, the children were to oversleep. An extended siesta could potentially encroach upon other critical activities, including playtime, which is essential for a child's social and emotional development, and also their dedicated time for completing homework, which supports their academic progression.

Thus, while the benefits of a siesta are indeed plentiful, one must remain mindful of ensuring a balanced daily schedule for children. Too much sleep during the day could inadvertently lead to missed opportunities for learning, development, and enjoyment in other equally important areas of their life.

When Siestas Take a Detour

As with all things involving children, the path of the planned siesta did not always run smoothly. With the passage of time and the children growing older, they inevitably began to show a streak of independence and a zest for adventure.

There were occasional incidents of truancy, where they would craftily sneak out through the window to indulge in playtime, abandoning their siesta. These secretive little adventures into the world of play, all happening without my knowledge, only came to light much later.

From a selfish perspective, I can candidly admit that these instances of playful defiance did not disrupt my cherished 'me-time'. It was as if their little adventure had its own silent agreement, allowing them some mischief while preserving my quiet time - a win-win situation, if you will. However, it serves as a reminder that while siestas can be a wonderful routine, they must be flexible to adapt to the evolving needs and curiosity of growing children.

Conclusion

Reflecting upon the varied experiences, it is clear that the practice of a siesta for children, like any aspect of parenting, involves a delicate balance between benefits and potential drawbacks. Siestas can serve as a potent tool for instilling discipline, promoting rest, and offering parents some personal time. However, it is crucial to ensure that this does not encroach on other important activities that contribute to a child's holistic development. As children mature, their needs evolve, and our approaches should adapt accordingly. Instances of truancy underscore the importance of flexibility in our routines, reminding us that our strategies should be fluid, changing with the growing independence of our children.

The question of whether a siesta is inherently good or bad might be less significant than considering how we can incorporate restful periods in our children's routines that support their overall development and happiness.

Join the conversation and share your own experiences with siestas for children. Let's support each other on our parenting journeys.

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About the Author

Nite Tanzarn is an Independent International Consultant with a profound passion for women’s and children's rights. As a devoted parent, Nite understands the intricacies of parental guidance, including the benefits of a siesta for children. Drawing from personal experiences and reflective observations, she shares insightful tips and strategies to support other parents on their journey. Through her perceptive writing and pragmatic advice, she aims to empower parents to foster their children's growth, independence, and passion for learning.