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How important is quiet time for a young child, and why?

Parenting Perspective

Quiet time is not simply a break from noise. It is a critical element of early childhood development that supports emotional balance, cognitive growth, and creative thinking. While active play stimulates movement and exploration, quiet time allows the brain to rest, consolidate learning, and process emotions. During periods of calm, children can regroup, reflect, and settle their nervous systems. This space fosters self-regulation, which is the foundation for future concentration, resilience, and empathy.
In a world that often rewards busyness and constant stimulation, quiet time gives children the chance to slow down. Whether it is looking at a book alone, drawing without instructions, sitting by a window, or simply lying on a rug with soft music, these moments encourage internal dialogue and imaginative thought. Children become more comfortable with themselves and learn to listen inwardly. They also begin to understand that rest is valuable, not wasted. In the long term, this fosters a lifelong habit of reflection and emotional health.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqaan (25), Verse 63: ‘And the true servants of the Most Beneficent are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace’.’ This verse celebrates the qualities of humility, patience, and calm, traits that are cultivated in quietude. It affirms that spiritual excellence is not found in constant activity, but often in softness and restraint. Encouraging children to embrace quiet time helps nurture these very qualities. It provides them with the space to grow into individuals who are thoughtful, composed, and mindful in their responses.
It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2593 that the holy Prophet Muhammad stated: ‘Allah Almighty is kind (gentle), and He loves kindness (gentleness) and confers upon kindness (gentleness) which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it.’ This Hadith Shareef reminds us that gentleness is not only a character trait, but also a spiritual merit. Quiet time allows the heart of a child to be softened and their spirit to settle. It opens the door to moments of gratitude, introspection, and nearness to Allah Almighty, even in the simplicity of childhood. When embraced with intention, quiet time becomes not only restful, but sacred.

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