Figuring out what to do with your kid after school is challenging as a parent. You know that their day in lessons has probably tired them out, but you also know that the working day isn't over for them, and that they need to constantly be learning or at least developing in some way.
That’s where this guide comes into the picture. It explores some of the activities that you might want to check out if your kid is in the middle of the semester. With these, you can really move the needle and put them in the best position to have the life that they want.
Schedule Facetime With Grandparents
You’ll want to start by scheduling some face time with the wider family at least once per week. This time is critical for them to explore relationships with older people and not just focus on their peer group (which a lot of children are tempted to do when they’re younger).
If they don’t literally want to sit down in front of the computer for 10 minutes, you can get them to send voice notes. Grandparents love this sort of thing.
LEGO Therapy
Another thing you can do is get them to do some LEGO therapy. The idea here is for them to build something that expresses the quality of their day.
For example, if they went through a tough math test, they can write it out in LEGO. Or they can create a sports field if they did some physical education.
The nice thing about a LEGO resume is that you can photograph their hard work and then store it for posterity. Then, in the future, they can see what they were thinking at specific times on specific dates.
Give Them A Wind-Down Box
Since school can be stressful, you might want to give your child a wind-down box. These contain a bunch of items that help them calm down once they get back from lessons.
For example, you could pack it with things like audio stories and lavender pillow sprays. You could also give them third grade activities like coloring sheets or a chance to write in a journal for the first time.
Ideally, what you want is something that’s going to soothe them and prepare them for the next day. You need it to be ready to go once they get home.
Make Sure They Get Some Time Outside And Inside To Themselves
With kids’ schedules so packed these days, it’s critical that they get outdoor and indoor time to themselves. That’s why a lot of parents now institute the “20/20” rule. The idea here is to let kids decide what they want to do outside and then inside for twenty minutes each per day, giving them some freedom.
For example, you might allow your kids to jump in puddles, water the plants, or dance in the garage.
Go On A Library Tour
You could also take your kids on a library tour to get them interested in reading. The idea is to go in, grab as many books as possible in five minutes, and then slowly work your way through them all over a two-week period.
A lot of libraries now allow you to stay inside and make noise in dedicated areas. Therefore, make sure you carve away a niche somewhere and then read to your kids after school. You don’t need to do it for long: just five to ten minutes. Remember, children naturally love stories, so reading aloud to them can capture their attention and keep them engaged.
Set Up A Kitchen Lab
Cooking is a skill that’s being lost among many people in the younger generation, and that’s a shame. Not only does it mean they’re missing out on a lot of delicious food, but it also puts them at a higher risk of being unhealthy.
Therefore, look for a way to set up a kitchen lab with them. Introduce different machines and then teach them how to use them one by one. The more you educate them today, the keener they will be on using them in the future.
Trade Kids
Another cool idea is to just trade your kids with a neighbor for the afternoon. Getting them out of their usual environment and into another one shows them what life’s like on the other side. It introduces them to new experiences and family dynamics so they don’t stick in the same patterns.
Usually, this is pretty easy to do. All you have to do is ask another parent and they’ll make it happen for you.
Pick A Mini Challenge
You could also look into the option of picking a mini challenge with them. This is something difficult that they need to do but that they probably won’t be asked to do at school.
That sounds complicated, but it isn’t. For example, you might set up an obstacle course in the backgarden or ask them to create a blanket fort inside.
Just make sure that the mini challenge is something fun. You want it to feel like a fun extra-curricular activity, not something that they have to do.
Make Space For A Brain Dump
If your child is so inclined, you might want to make space for a brain dump. This is a 15-minute session where they get the chance to communicate everything they’ve learned at school that day and tell you about it. It could also be about the people they met, the conversations they had, or even the trouble they got into.
As a parent, it’s important not to judge what they say. All you want to do is listen at this stage and provide a space where they can be honest.
Provide Snacks
Lastly, going to school takes up a lot of energy. That’s why it’s sometimes nice to give your kid some healthy snacks after they finish working. Apple slices, veggies with hummus and other treats are all worthwhile. Just avoid the toxic sugary drinks that are popular these days.
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