One hour of quiet time

Every now and then I like to send my children to their rooms to play for an hour or so. Not because they've done something wrong and are being punished. It's a timeout of a different sort.

A timeout for them to get away from TV, computer games, electronics, other siblings and family members.

It's a time for them to spend in their rooms entertaining themselves. Due to the increased use of electronics many children find it difficult to entertain themselves when unattached to these gadgets. It is a good idea to give children long breaks from these devices so they learn to have fun without them.

During their time in their rooms they will often play with neglected toys, listen to music, read a book, draw, have some quiet time building Lego cities. Sometimes they'll even tidy up and organise their space.

This break also gives them time apart from siblings which helps with re-connection. You know what they say about absence making the heart grown fonder. They miss each other after having a well needed break.

Most importantly this timeout is a time for the parents (me) to have a well needed break as well.