How to Build an After-School Routine That Fits Your Family
Returning to school can be exciting and eventful for many families – but also draining and exhausting! Adults and children may feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the hours after school and work, leading to more conflicts over homework, chores, and dinner. In search of a better way to manage these precious evening hours, some parents and caregivers may consider implementing some structure and routine after school. These routines can offer a treasure trove of benefits for adults and kids in the home, transforming what may be a chaotic period between school release and bedtime into a structured, warm, and enriching experience.
After-school routines provide a sense of stability and security for children. Following a predictable schedule helps ease the transition from school to home, reducing emotional outbursts and anxiety. The predictability that children and parents come to expect can help streamline activities and reduce stress. Parents can confidently plan their evenings, knowing there is time for dinner, homework, and even quality time with each other before bedtime. Younger children clearly understand what is expected of them, thus helping promote time management skills at home. Older children and teenagers can feel confident scheduling their homework and chores around extracurriculars and social outings.
Creating a schedule that fits your family can seem daunting. However, using these tips, a parent can approach scheduling with confidence and establish a smooth and beneficial routine.
- Set Consistent Times: Identify how much time is needed for critical activities, such as homework, snacks, regular extracurriculars, and bedtime. This time mapping helps children know what to expect and reduces anxiety about transitioning from school to home to external activities.
- Incorporate Breaks and Flexibility: Allow short breaks between activities to keep kids engaged and prevent burnout. Flexibility helps accommodate unexpected events or changes in energy levels, making the routine more adaptable and less stressful.
- Prioritize Homework and Chores: Designate a specific time and quiet space for homework and chores. This prioritization promotes focus and responsibility and helps children manage their tasks efficiently without feeling rushed.
- Engage in Family Time: Build time for family activities, such as dinner or a short evening outing. Connecting with family helps strengthen relationships and provides children with a sense of stability and support.
- Make it visual and engaging: Involve children in developing the routine and designing a routine chart together. This will allow children to feel more ownership of the routine, making them more likely to follow it.
It’s important to note that no routine is perfect the first time we implement it. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to remember the benefits and practice flexibility in changing the routine to fit their family best. Feeling confident about challenging the chaos with routine, a parent can help the entire family find peace in those precious after-school hours!
