Creating (and Sticking to) an After-School Routine

That time of year is upon us once more. We are purchasing supplies, filling backpacks to the brim and setting alarm clocks. Kids and parents alike are diving into a brand new school year—with both the fun and frustrations that accompany it.  One such challenge can be establishing an after-school routine. Creating and sticking to one can be difficult, but the benefits far outweigh the potential challenges. Local moms share the top five ways to keep a child’s routine on track.

• Banish Hunger: According to “Do After-School Snacks Matter?” on SheKnows.com, “The after-school snack fuels a kid’s brain and body for homework, extracurricular activities and more.” An empty stomach could lead to a decrease in energy, mental alertness and brainpower. Tonganoxie mom Patricia Duvall says, “We usually have snacks first and then tackle homework right away.” The best options to keep both brain and body fueled are items such as a hard-boiled eggs, veggies like carrot sticks and pepper slices, fruits like apple wedges and bananas and small cups of yogurt or string cheese.
• Let Them Play: After a long day of activities planned and controlled by adults, most children need a little break after school to let off steam. Tonganoxie mom Desiree Kenney says, “I usually allow the kids to play for a while after school to get some energy out and let them decompress. Then we tackle about 30 minutes of homework. We break up the homework so there is only a little each night.”
• Find Balance: After-school hours are no longer filled simply with homework and time with friends. Many kids are often enrolled in several extracurricular activities such as sports, educational clubs, music lessons and community volunteer programs. Finding balance between activities, homework and down time is crucial to successfully sticking to an after-school routine. If your child has activities scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays for example, consider allotting more time on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for homework.
• Consider a Day Off: It’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of day-to-day activities. Sometimes it seems that we’re simply moving from one task to the next from the time we wake until the time we fall asleep. As adults, we know that overextending ourselves can often lead to burnout. The same is true of our kids. In an article published in the American Journal of Play, several studies show that “…there has been a significant increase in anxiety and depression from 1950 to present day in children and teens.” This has been correlated to the decrease in free play. Today’s youth have a much busier agenda than those of previous generations. Allowing our children a day off from the hustle and bustle decreases the likelihood of burnout. Giving them a day that is free of homework and extracurricular activities can keep them from feeling overextended.
• Mark It on the Calendar: With each child enrolled in various activities, creating or sticking to any routine can seem impossible. While visiting with a friend one day, I noticed that she had a great way of keeping the entire family on track. She had hung a dry erase calendar on a wall by the kitchen and color coordinated each child’s activities. The kids know what colors they are on the calendar and regularly consult it to see what is planned for the week. Being able to identify their schedule ensures that they have a better understanding of expectations after each school day. For example, the oldest son knows that on Tuesdays, he is only allowed to play outside for approximately 30 minutes before coming in for piano lessons. Wednesdays, however, are free days.

As always, keep in mind that what works for one family will not always work for another. Consider talking through the routine you would like to establish with your kids to ensure that everyone is on the same page. The best way to stick to a routine is working together to make it successful.

Jennifer Bosse lives in Kansas City with her husband and two sons.