In Praise of Pause: Teaching Our Children the Grace of Rest with Auntie Nats

Rest is one of the kindest things we can do for ourselves, and one of the most precious gifts we can model for our children. In today’s fast-paced world, even our little ones seem caught up in the “hustle and bustle syndrome.” As parents, we sometimes find it difficult to get them to pause, breathe, and simply rest. Yet Scripture reminds us that God Himself rested on the seventh day, setting an eternal example that rest is not laziness but divine wisdom.

Rest is not punishment. It is not a waste of time. It is godly. It is restorative. It helps the body heal, the mind reflect, and the spirit listen. It gives us the space to replenish, to read, to pray, to create, and to build relationships. Science agrees that rest is essential for growth, learning, and emotional regulation. Without it, children become overstimulated, anxious, and less able to focus.

Sadly, many homes unintentionally send negative messages about rest. When children hear, “You’re lying down again?” or “Get up and do something productive,” they learn to associate rest with guilt. Rest becomes conditional, a reward after work, rather than a rhythm of grace. Parents, too, model this mindset by staying constantly busy, rarely pausing for quiet moments. Over time, children mirror this behaviour, believing they must always be doing, performing, achieving.

Our wider society amplifies this message. The culture of constant productivity teaches children that their value is measured by activity. Schools, too, have become swept into this race with shorter nap times, less outdoor play, and a focus on nonstop stimulation. Children are left with very little space to simply be.

As parents, we can change this narrative. We can teach our children that rest is part of how God designed us. Rest is worship. It is a sacred pause that keeps life balanced and meaningful. We can schedule quiet family time — no screens, no chores — just gentle moments to talk, listen, and reflect. We can encourage reading, drawing, or sitting under a tree. We can make bedtime routines peaceful and reassuring. We can even speak about rest differently: “This is your time to refresh,” or “Let’s enjoy our quiet moment with God.”

When we honour rest, we teach our children that life is not about rushing from one thing to the next but about living in rhythm with the Creator who said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” May every home become a sanctuary of peace where both children and parents learn to praise the pause, to rest, renew, and rise again in strength.

Educators and caregivers can explore a deeper reflection on how rest aligns with the ECC Standards in the classroom here, https://www.withauntienats.com/post/rest-as-a-learning-standard-upholding-ecc-principles-in-a-rest-friendly-classroom-with-auntie-nats