Rest and Relaxation
Hi! It’s Karen Whiting with some ideas to prepare for a fruitful summer that also balances a few types of rest children really need. Children and adults all need rest. Summertime often includes letting children stay up later, play more on electronic devices, and trips. Those can cut down on rest for the body, mind, and spirit. The mental slide can also happen because there’s no scheduled schooling. That causes a few imbalances.
Psalm 23 reminds us that rest is a gift from God to refresh us.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:1-3
Physical rest is still important, so if a child stays up later, they may need to sleep in or take a nap. Children ages 6-12 should get 9-12 hours of sleep and teens should get 8-10 hour of sleep. But there is so much more in types of rest children need than sleep.
Mark 4:19 reminds us that distractions cause worry and keep us from maintaining a calm mind. Philippians 4:8-9 urges us to let our minds dwell on uplifting thoughts. These give our minds rest. At the same time, too much idleness for the mind causes a loss in learning that can be two to three months of loss in reading and math. However, summer is also an important time for slower students who take longer to learn, to catch up academically. The best remedy is to be sure children read and play math games during the summer, as well as providing opportunities to learn naturally such as investigating the outdoors, visiting museum, and letting them explore areas of interest.
Parents often allow children extra time on electronic devices that increases the lack of sensory rest. They need to still limit time on devices. They need a balance of outdoor play and non-electronic activities. That may mean earning electronic time for time spent in more active activities. In Mark 6:31-32 Jesus encouraged his friends to go with him to a quiet place to rest. They had a sensory overload from being around too many people to the point of not even having time to eat. A variety of social interaction and quiet provides more balance. Play enhances the brain structure, promotes executive function, and fosters better relationships.
Other types of rest include social rest or too much interactivity and emotional rest from fear and stress. Homes and choices of camp should provide feelings of safety. Children want to feel secure and have peace. Jesus gives us inner peace, (John 14:27), and that comes from studying the Bible and praying with them. We can also talk and help our children feel safe. We can set up boundaries that help them feel you care. You can ask them what causes fear and discuss ideas to relieve those fears.
Enjoy the summer with wise plans that keep you and your children rested in ways that matter. For more ideas on rest, effective meals, and other parenting choices, check out my latest book Growing a Mother’s Heart Bible Study. This study is full of practical tips and doable activities to nurture your soul and family.
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Blessings,
Karen
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