The After School Routine That Really Gets My Kiddos Sharing the Good Stuff!
These next couple of pics are proof that they think I’m still funny…
I told them that maybe this was the year that they’d get kissed by a cute boy in class.
And that if they liked it… I’d spank them when they got home. LOL
Dang it I love these girls so much.
While I won’t pretend that I’m super sad that they went off back to school (because I’m just not; we were ALL more than ready), I AM missing those smiley faces that kept me ridiculously busy all Summer.
The real thing I wanted to chat about today though, was our little after school routine we have goin’ on so far this year.
I’m sure that every household has their own way of coping with the constant stream of information, homework and extra curricular activities that need to get done after school each day, but I wanted to share mine, because it’s been working REALLY well and I’ve noticed a big change in my girls’ attitudes from last year to this year – especially as I’ve gotten to know each of their personalities a lot better.
1. School is a whole lot of busy and mind overstimulation – Let them relax for a bit!
When my girls come home, I 100% do NOT expect them to get homework, reading or piano done the second they walk in the door.
For my chicks, they need about 30 minutes of quiet time. This could be resting, zoning out in front of the TV/iPad, or just cuddling with one of our pups for a bit. I know this can’t happen EVERY day, because sometimes schedules don’t allow for it, but MAN, I can’t tell you how much HAPPIER my girls are the rest of the night if they are allowed this precious downtime.
2. Every kiddo is different; therefore they all need individual attention.
It’s probably just my nature, but I CANNOT handle when my kids start spilling their entire day onto me all at once. I want to pull my freakin’ hair out!
For this reason, I’ve tried really hard to enforce kiddo and Mom 1-on-1 time with each girl.
I will love on them for a minute, empty their backpacks/look over homework due, and then most importantly, talk about their day with them.
Cute homework stations and yummy snack ideas are awesome for back to school kids, but really, that individual time when you stop and REALLY talk with them about how they feel, is just SO important I think.
Promise me you won’t get so busy or book your kids into so many after school activities that you forget to really bond with them, okay? Because even though your kids may be small now, I have a feeling that one day, they’ll stop sharing so much, and we’ll all be sad that we didn’t have those lines of communication open sooner.
XO
Bonni Gochal says
What settings on your camera did you use to get such great back to school photos?
Lisa says
That's an awesome idea ๐ I know when my son used to come home from school, I would let him have a small snack because of course dinner would be soon. I would tell him, if you do your homework soon, you can get it over with, then have the rest of the night for whatever. I do agree though, that they really need time to unwind. The time they are in school is almost as long as a work day and I know when I get home from work I don't want to have to jump into more work right away ๐
Laurie Ledbetter says
First of all, PRECIOUS girls!!! And secondly, thank you for this thoughtful post – I love good conversation starters!!
kansasgirl1 says
Really good communication ideas here. My son started high school this year, and when I ask him "how was your day", the standard answer is "good". Period. I've just been thinking the last couple of days I need to ask different questions, specific questions about classes and friends.
p.s. your daughters are really beautiful – such great smiles.
Crystal @MyBlissfulSpace says
Love it!! This year's been a little better with sharing but generally after school my daughter has NO interest in talking! And I agree…downtime is so needed. I know I'd need it! ๐ Thanks for sharing these tips…really like the questions!
christinekellogg says
I have read this somewhere else too! Thanks for the reminder…this was GREAT!! I have a really hard time getting my girl to open up to me about school, it's always one word answers or "I can't remember". I too let her have some down time before homework, I just don't think it's fair after their long day at school to push them right into homework ๐
Unknown says
Great ideas in this post! And your girls are gorgeous ๐ I think there's a big difference from girls to boys in how to handle the after-school routine!
Jess says
Such a great topic and reminder!!