An After-School Routine Kids Can Handle Without Constant Reminders

A typical school day is between six and seven hours, so it's no surprise that many children arrive home in the afternoon feeling tired, cranky, and sometimes overstimulated. Having a predictable plan in place for those late-afternoon hours keeps children's expectations in check so they'll know what's expected of them without constant reminders. 

That plan can begin with a few quick tasks — take off shoes, remove their lunch boxes from their backpacks, bring them to the kitchen, and wash their hands. Since eating independently can be more difficult at school, snack time can involve a reliable assortment of fun yet healthy snacks to choose from when they arrive home. Make divvying out snacks easier on yourself by keeping healthy and enjoyable foods accessible in both your kitchen pantry and refrigerator. 

From there, you'll want to set aside specific blocks of time for daily responsibilities like homework and chores, whether they happen right after school or later in the evening. Just as important, set clear boundaries around what activities your kids can engage in after they walk in the door. If there are no immediate activities or sports on the schedule, set clear limits around screen time and devices. Keeping your expectations clear and focused can reduce conflict, which means more stress-free afternoons. 

Whether you have one kid or multiple children, after-school routines change with each passing year. When your children are preschool-age, their afternoon routine usually includes simpler activities like eating a snack and playing outside. However, as kids grow, they often become involved in one or more activities outside the home. They may also want to spend more time engaging with friends. Therefore, planning ahead and communicating with your kids regularly about your expectations is key. You can even utilize a visual calendar to delegate specific tasks, so they know what is expected of them first.  

It's also important to avoid over-scheduling after-school hours. Many teens already have their hands full with schoolwork, so as you're creating your routine, make sure you include downtime in there as well. For families that have packed schedules, communicating with adolescents and teens every Sunday evening about the week ahead can be an important weekend routine. A quick discussion can cover upcoming after-school activities and their transportation needs, and serve as an opportunity to talk about the week ahead without needing those nightly reminders. 

Since children's after-school routines are constantly in flux, be flexible and willing to adjust your expectations if necessary, and don't forget to encourage input from your kids, who may respond more favorably to a schedule if they had a say in how it was developed. While managing sports, after-school events, and homework are all important weekly tasks, ensure your kids have opportunities to connect with you and other family members as well.