Fun Once the Bell Rings

Once the bell rings and your children rush out of school, there are only a few precious hours before sports, activities, homework, dinner, showers and bedtime. Though it can feel overwhelming to manage all the evening activities and schedules, you can make the most of this short burst of time by having children engage in a wide variety of simple activities that promote relaxation, fun and social interaction.

Make a connection

Find ways to connect with your children after school. They’ve been away from you all day dealing with many stresses and anxieties, so be available and a safe space. Have or make a snack together or have your kids help with dinner prep while you visit about highs and lows from the day or just chat about general things. My daughter shared with me at the end of last school year that she was upset because I am always busy doing stuff when she gets home from school. This is true. I am usually getting dinner started and dealing with multiple children coming home from school at the same time, which I’m sure you can relate to as well. However, now I know going into this school year I need to make a conscious effort to be available after school to connect with her because this is something she needs.

Unwind with a good read

Reading provides an excellent opportunity to relax and let your imagination go. Find a cozy spot and let the kids’ minds get lost in the pages that lead to new worlds of excitement. What a wonderful way to unwind after a taxing day of school! Books are also a great way to expand your children’s interests and knowledge of the world. After-school reading time gives your child the chance to deepen and explore interests outside of school. Our son happens to have a high interest in World War II, so having books available that pique his interest outside of whatever he is reading and learning about at school has been wonderful for him.

Tap into creativity

Unleash your child’s inner artist by allowing time after school for creative pursuits. The activity doesn’t have to be long and drawn out but could be as simple as coloring, drawing, watercoloring, or painting. We also love doing small craft kits that can be found at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. Kits like suncatchers, fused bead kits, keychains, etc., all make great, quick projects. Personally, I find doing something creative with my hands is super therapeutic for me … it takes my mind off of whatever is going on and relaxes me. While I’m not sure the same is true for our children, they do tend to get pure enjoyment out of such activities. Sensory ideas like water beads, playdough, sand, and oobleck are a great option as well.

Retreat

We have found in our house that everyone sometimes needs a little alone time after school. Our kids enjoy going to their rooms to listen to music, play with toys, write, draw, read, build and more. We try to honor this time for decompression and gathering themselves for the evening. Occasionally, they want to head straight to their rooms before chatting or having a snack even, and it is then we know they really need some quiet before reentering the household!

minutes, so you are sure to have time for it. Try a few of our favorites: Slapzi, Taco vs. Burrito, Exploding Kittens, Yahtzee and Othello.

Go outside

brains a break and what better way than being outside!”

Get

Your

game on Challenge kids’ minds in a different way than academics do and play a game together. Stock up on a few short, quick games that can be played in less than 15

Let your children make the most of their after-school time by allowing outdoor play. Soaking up the sun, breathing in the fresh air, socializing with friends and moving their bodies in playful ways are healthy and invigorating. This could look like shooting hoops with a neighbor, riding bikes, jumping on a trampoline, doing gymnastics in the front yard or heading to a nearby park or the school playground. Not only do children get the opportunity to have downtime, they get to do so while appreciating the outdoor world around them, too! Emily Dischinger, Louisburg mom of two, shares, “We try to get the wiggles out after a long day at school. Typically that means we go play outside, swing or dance. We have to give our

The brief time between school and evening events is a perfect opportunity for your children to engage in activities they find enjoyable and ones that refill their cups after a long day at school. By incorporating connection with you, reading, creative ideas, downtime, games or outdoor play, children can make the most of their limited after-school time to recharge from a stressful day.

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where her four children definitely enjoy their downtime after school!

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