How We Build Quiet Time Into Our Week (Without the Guilt)

I used to feel guilty resting.
Like I needed to finish the list first—clean the floor, respond to the text, fix the mood.

But over time, especially as a mom with ADHD raising neurodivergent kids, I’ve realized that pushing through every moment isn’t sustainable. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a reset. And our whole family runs smoother when we make space for it on purpose.

Here’s how we’ve started building quiet time into our days and weeks—without guilt.

1. We Don’t Wait Until Everything Is Done

There’s always more to do. But when I wait until everything is finished, rest never happens. So instead, we schedule quiet time. Sometimes it’s 5 minutes, sometimes 20. Even a short pause can help everyone regroup.

2. We Use Visual Tools to Make It Part of the Plan

Whether you use a Routine Board, Balanced Board, or even just a visual schedule—seeing quiet time in the day helps it actually happen.

We use the Calming Corner / Quiet Time icon from the
👉 Mind Growth | Daily Clings
It’s one simple icon that signals: it’s okay to step back and take a breath.

3. We Use Family Council to Protect the Quiet

Each Sunday, we sit down as a family to talk through the week ahead. One of the things we check in on is how we’re doing with rest:

• Are we too busy?

• Did anyone feel rushed or overwhelmed?

• Where can we build in downtime?

These conversations help us make room for what really matters—including rest.

If you want to try Family Council in your home, I made a free digital file with the questions we use. Just fill out the form below and I’ll send them to you.

Our Favorite Together Quiet Time Activities

We don’t always take quiet time separately—sometimes the best resets happen when we do something calming together. Here are a few of our go-tos:

• Putting together a puzzle

• Reading a book out loud

• Listening to an audiobook while we do something with our hands

• Making Perler bead creations

• Drawing or coloring side-by-side

• Following a YouTube drawing tutorial

• Playing with Light Brights (yes, still a favorite!)

• Quiet snacks or drinks while everyone chills in their own cozy spot

Some days we each do our own thing with headphones, and some days we share the space. Either way—it gives us a pause to reset without needing total silence.

4. We Created a Calming Corner That’s Just Theirs

Last year, Beckham gave us a full tour of his calming corner—and I wish I had recorded the whole thing. He had picked out every item himself and was so proud of the space he created.

We had an Occupational Therapist help us build it around the tools that worked best for him. It wasn’t expensive or complicated—but it gave him ownership, comfort, and a go-to place when he needed to reset.

You can see the video here:
🧡 Watch Beckham’s calming corner tour

Want to Try This in Your Home?

Start simple:

• Grab the Mind Growth | Daily Clings with the Calming Corner icon

• Use Family Council to plan intentional rest moments—grab the questions by filling out the form below

• Let your child help design their space—they’ll feel proud of it