Creating an Effective After School Routine for Kids
As the start of a new school year approaches, establishing a solid after school routine for your children can be a game-changer.
A structured routine can help manage school chaos, reduce power struggles, and ensure everyone in the family gets to spend quality time together.
Here’s a great way to set up a routine that incorporates all the important things your school-aged children need after a long school day.
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After School Routine Overview
After school is the perfect time to balance school activities, homework assignments, and family routines. Let’s break down a simple routine that can work for both young children and older children.
1. School Pick-Up and Arrival at Home
School pick-up is a crucial transition time. When your kids get home, have a designated spot by the front door for school folders, lunch bags, and school supplies. This reduces the clutter and ensures school papers don’t get lost.
Kitchen counter tip: Use the kitchen counter for unpacking and organizing school snacks and papers. It’s a great tool for keeping everything in one place.
2. Snack Time and Unwinding
After a full day of school, kids are usually hungry. Prepare a healthy snack, such as fruit or yogurt, and let them have a little bit of free time to unwind.
Side note: Avoid too much screen time during this period. Instead, encourage physical activity or quiet time with a book.
3. Homework Time
Setting clear expectations for homework time is essential. Choose a consistent time of day, like after snack time, for kids to focus on their homework assignments. This helps build good habits and ensures school work is completed on time.
4. Free Play and Extracurricular Activities
After homework, it’s important to allow some free play or engage in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s a quick race outside, school sports, or a simple card game, physical activity is a great way to burn off energy.
5. Family Time and Dinner
Dinnertime is a great way to reconnect as a family. Aim for an early dinner so there’s plenty of time for evening routine activities. Use this time for quality conversations and to check in on how their day went.
Kitchen counter tip: Prepare dinner while helping with any last-minute homework or school projects.
6. Evening Routine
The evening routine is crucial for setting up a healthy bedtime routine. Limit screen time and encourage activities like reading or quiet time to wind down. Ensure they have everything ready for the next day, including their school checklist.
First thing: Prepare lunch bags and snack bags the night before to save time in the morning.
7. Bedtime Routine
A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things for school-aged children. Ensure they follow a consistent bedtime routine to promote a healthy sleep schedule.
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Tips for a Smooth Routine
- Use a daily schedule: Post a visible daily routine chart on the kitchen counter or a common area. This helps the whole family stay on track.
- Encourage physical activity: Ensure there’s time for physical activity every day to keep kids healthy and energized.
- Limit screen time: Be mindful of how much time kids spend on devices. Too much screen time can interfere with sleep and homework time.
- Organize school papers: Use a recycling bin for unneeded papers and keep school folders organized.
- Plan family time: Make time for quality activities as a family to strengthen bonds and create memories.
Bottom Line
By incorporating these steps and tips, you can create a great way for your kids to transition from school time to family time smoothly.
Establishing an afterschool routine not only helps with school chaos but also ensures your kids get the quality time they need with their family, setting them up for success both academically and personally.
Good luck with the start of a new school year, and may your after school routine make every end of the day a little bit easier!