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A great way to start an after school routine. Meltdowns after school are common and normal. Here are some proven strategies to help you get ahead of the meltdown and help your child cope with overwhelm and stop the after school backtalk and attitude.
As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible start in life. One of the ways we can do this is by implementing an after-school routine.
Having a routine in place can help children feel more secure, provide structure and stability, and help manage screen time, homework, and school papers.
But, it can be a hard time to get children to stick to a new routine, especially in the early days. In this guide, we will explore ideas for incorporating routine charts, managing screen time, making homework time more manageable, and organizing school papers and lunches.
We will also discuss tips for dealing with the “hard times” that come with implementing a new routine, and strategies for making snack time and family time more enjoyable.
Every family is unique, but we hope this guide will provide some inspiration to create a routine that works for your family.
Setting Up a Routine
When it comes to creating an after-school routine, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that it should work for the whole family. A routine that is tailored to the needs of the entire family will be more likely to stick, and everyone will benefit from the sense of structure and stability that it provides.
One of the best ways to create a routine that works for everyone is by setting aside time for physical activity and quiet time. Physical activity is important for children’s physical and mental well-being, and it can also be a great way for the whole family to bond and spend quality time together. Quiet time, on the other hand, is a great way for children to relax and unwind after a long day of school.
Another great way to create a routine that works for everyone is by incorporating routine charts and other tools to help kids stay on track. Routine charts can be a great visual aid for children, and they can also help parents keep track of what their children are supposed to be doing and when. Other tools such as timers and alarms can also be helpful in keeping kids on track.
In addition, it’s important to note that it may be necessary to adjust the routine as the year goes on. As the school year progresses, children’s schedules may change, and it may be necessary to adjust the routine accordingly. This is why it’s important to be flexible and open to making changes as needed.
Overall, setting up a routine for the whole family can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Not only will it provide structure and stability for children, but it can also help parents stay organized and on top of things. With a little bit of planning and some creative thinking, you can create a routine that works for everyone in your family.
Managing Screen Time
Managing screen time is one of the biggest challenges parents face when it comes to implementing an after-school routine. With so many distractions at our children’s fingertips, it can be hard to know when to say “enough is enough.” However, it’s important to remember that while screen time can be a fun and entertaining way to pass the time, too much of it can lead to problems such as difficulty sleeping and decreased attention spans.
Managing screen time is particularly challenging for older children, who may have more autonomy and access to technology. It can be difficult for parents to set limits on screen time without feeling like they are being too restrictive or without causing conflict with their child. However, setting limits on screen time is important for the well-being of our children.
One strategy for setting limits on screen time is to set specific times of day for computer use. This could mean allowing computer time only after homework is finished, or setting a specific time limit for computer use each day. Another strategy is to limit social media access. This could mean setting a specific time limit for social media use each day, or disabling social media access during homework time.
Another strategy for managing screen time is to encourage alternative activities. This could mean setting aside time for physical activity, reading, or other hobbies that don’t involve screens. Encouraging children to engage in these activities can help reduce the amount of time they spend in front of screens.
It’s also important to remember that managing screen time is not just about setting limits, but also about setting an example. Children learn by example, so if parents are constantly on their phones or other devices, children will likely follow suit.
In conclusion, managing screen time is a challenge for many parents, but it’s important to remember that setting limits on screen time is essential for the well-being of our children. By setting specific times of day for computer use, limiting social media access, and encouraging alternative activities, parents can help create a more balanced after-school routine for their children.
Managing Homework Time
One of the most important aspects of an after-school routine is setting aside dedicated time for homework. With the long school day and the added pressure of extracurricular activities and other commitments, it can be easy for homework to get pushed to the side. However, setting aside dedicated time for homework is essential for ensuring that children are able to keep up with their schoolwork and succeed academically.
Creating a homework space that is free of distractions is key to managing homework time. This could mean setting up a dedicated homework area in a quiet room, free of televisions and other electronic devices. It’s also important to make sure that the homework space is well-lit and well-organized, with all the necessary supplies readily available.
Another important aspect of managing homework time is to create a routine work chart. This can be a great tool for helping kids stay on track, and can be as simple as a list of tasks that need to be completed each day. This can include things like completing homework, reviewing class notes, and studying for upcoming tests.
Another good strategy for managing homework time is to use a recycling bin for unneeded papers, so that children can focus on the task at hand without getting overwhelmed. Additionally, it is a good idea to set a specific time for homework each day, so that children know when to expect it and can plan accordingly.
It’s also important to remember that managing homework time is not just about setting limits, but also about setting an example. Parents can help by creating a homework space that is free of distractions and by setting aside dedicated time for homework each day.
Managing School Papers
With school comes a lot of paperwork, from homework assignments and class notes to permission slips and report cards. Keeping track of all these papers can be overwhelming, especially when they start piling up on the kitchen counter. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, managing school papers can be made much easier.
One of the best ways to keep school papers organized is by keeping a designated spot for them on the kitchen counter. This could be a tray or a bin where all papers are placed, making it easy to find what you need when you need it. Another tip is to sort through the papers at the end of each day and recycle any papers that are no longer needed. This helps to keep the kitchen counter from getting cluttered and makes it easier to find what you need.
Another great idea for dealing with school papers is to keep them in a storage bin. This can be a great way to keep important papers safe, such as report cards and other important documents. This can be easily labeled and placed in a closet or in a spare room.
A side note on how to manage school program and school needs. It’s important to remember that all schools have different programs and different needs. It’s a good idea to check with your school to find out what they require and to ask your child’s teacher what they need. This will help you to be prepared with the necessary papers and to stay organized.
In conclusion, managing school papers can be a daunting task, but with a few simple tips and tricks, it can be made much easier. By keeping a designated spot for papers on the kitchen counter, recycling papers that are no longer needed, and keeping important papers in a storage bin, parents can help to keep their home organized and reduce the stress of dealing with school papers.
Managing School Lunches
Packing school lunches can be a daunting task for parents, especially during the busy first months of school. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, managing school lunches can be made much easier.
One of the best ways to make packing school lunches easier is by preparing them the night before. This can help to save time in the morning and reduce the stress of trying to get everything done before school pick-up. Another tip is to pack snack bags with healthy snacks, such as fruits and veggies, to keep kids energized throughout the day.
Another great idea for making school lunches more fun is to have a quick race to see who can get everything packed the fastest. This can be a fun way to get kids excited about packing their own lunch and can also help to reduce the stress of getting everything done in the morning.
In addition, incorporating more fruits and vegetables in the school lunch can make it healthier. You can pack a variety of fruits and veggies, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, apples, and berries, to provide a well-balanced lunch that will keep kids full and satisfied throughout the day. Another great idea is to make school lunches more fun by involving kids in the process of packing their own lunch. This can help to teach kids about healthy food choices and can also make them more excited about eating their lunch.
In conclusion, managing school lunches can be a daunting task for parents, but with a few simple tips and tricks, it can be made much easier. By preparing school lunches the night before, packing snack bags, having a quick race before school pick-up, and incorporating more fruits and vegetables, parents can help to make packing school lunches more manageable and more fun for their kids.
Managing Quality Time
One of the most important aspects of an after-school routine is spending quality time with your children. It is essential for parents to make time to connect with their kids and to build a strong relationship with them. Quality time with children can also help to reduce stress, improve communication, and foster a sense of belonging.
There are many ways to spend quality time with children. Some great ideas include playing card games or board games together, reading books or comics together, or simply sitting down and talking about the day’s events. Another great way to spend quality time is by doing a fun activity together, such as cooking or baking, doing arts and crafts, or going for a walk.
To make quality time more meaningful, it can be helpful to discuss school events or the day’s news. This can help to create a deeper connection between parent and child and can also provide an opportunity for children to share their thoughts and feelings about their day. Additionally, you can include in your quality time to talk about the school needs or any school program that your children have.
It is also important to note that quality time does not have to be long, it can be just a little bit of time every day. A quick chat over dinner or a short game before bed can make a big difference in building a strong relationship with your children.
In conclusion, spending quality time with your children after school is an essential part of an after-school routine. By making time to connect with your kids and building a strong relationship with them, you can help to reduce stress, improve communication, and foster a sense of belonging. There are many ways to spend quality time with children and incorporating fun activities, discussing school events or the day’s news, and making it a little bit of time every day can make it more meaningful.
Want to make sure you’re spending quality time with your children and make it a part of your daily routine? Try our Family Bonding Planner, it has tips on how to plan and spend quality time with your family, and how to make it a regular part of your day. Sign up for your free planner here.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, having a routine in place for your child’s after school time is crucial for a successful school year. By implementing a morning routine, setting aside dedicated time for school activities and homework, and having a structured evening routine, including a bedtime routine, you can help ease the transition from school time to free time and family time.
It’s also important to include healthy snack options, such as packing lunch bags and incorporating fruits and vegetables into dinner. Remember, there may be hard times and power struggles, but sticking to a daily routine can make a big difference in how the rest of the day, week and year goes.
To help make this transition easier, consider using a school checklist, or even creating a simple routine chart for your child to follow. To make this process even smoother, you can also check out our affiliate links for great tools and resources to help you and your child establish a healthy routine.
As the start of a new school year approaches, let’s take this opportunity to establish good habits and routines for our school-aged children, and make the most of their time in school and at home.
Best of luck to all families in dealing with school chaos and managing school needs.
