4 Habits for a smoother afternoon
The few hours between school pick up and bedtime can sometimes feel overwhelming. It may be the activities scheduled, tasks needing to be done, or some big emotions surfacing. A school day often requires a lot from our children, developing new academic skills and knowledge, while navigating peer relationships throughout the day.
Here are 4 suggestions to support smoother school afternoons
1.Reconnect.
Take some time to connect with your child, after all, you've been away from each other for a large part of the day. This time is not only a transition between school mode and home but an opportunity to strengthen the parent-child bond and help your child feel supported and valued.
This may look like a hug, playing, or doing an activity together, a conversation, or sharing a snack. Try to give them your full attention.
2.Communicate and Listen.
Encourage your child to talk about their day and feelings. For some children they may be happy to do this right after school, others will prefer to later in the evening. Start by sharing highlights from your own day. This can encourage them to open up about their own experiences. Ask open-ended questions such as "What was the best part of your day?" and “What did you find challenging?”. This helps your child process their day and express their feelings and experiences, while helping you understand their emotional, social and education needs.
3.Encourage Physical Activity.
Whether this is organised sport, outdoor play, or a family walk or ride, time for physical activity should be incorporated in your afternoon. Doubling as family time, in addition to boosting self-esteem, practicing social skills, stress relief, improving sleep, and the mental and physical benefits for everyone cannot be understated.
4.Be Flexible.
Recognise that even with the best intentions, some afternoons and evenings may not be smooth sailing. Be open to adjusting routines and expectations based on your own and your child's needs and mood.
Meeting your child’s needs does not need to be complicated, instead intentional. By implementing these 4 strategies you can create an environment that meets your child's needs, ultimately leading to smoother afternoons and evenings.