Mastering After-School Routines: Back to School Made Easy | Part 3

As busy working moms, we know how challenging the back-to-school season can be. That is why I am so excited to share this 4-part series focusing on back to school…made easy!

If you missed the first part of this series, head back to Episode 194 where we dig into stress-free mornings and Episode 195 where we talk about optimizing family schedules. 

Today we dive into mastering after-school routines!

We discuss… 

• Why after-school routines matter
• How to create a consistent, reliable after-school routine
• A dedicated homework space and how to create it
• The balance between structured and unstructured time
• Creating a family team and sharing the mental and physical load of household tasks
• Evening routines that matter

Ready to listen? Use the podcast player or listen anywhere you find your favorite podcasts. (Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!)

Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!

Show Notes: After School Routines

Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #196 of The Secrets of Supermom Show! 

As busy working moms, we know how challenging the back-to-school season can be. That is why I am so excited to share this 4-part series focusing on back to school…made easy!

If you missed Part 1 or Part 2 of this series, head back to Episode 194  and Episode 195 where we dig into stress-free mornings and organized family schedules. When you start your day in chaos, it is often hard to bounce back from that and take on the rest of the day as the person you want to be. When no one knows what to expect, it is really hard to keep the family on the same page. Learn some key tips to master your morning routines and optimize those family schedules. 

Today, we talk all about how to think about after-school routines. If you are a busy family with a full schedule, this is another can’t miss episode.

A well-structured after-school routine can help your children unwind, stay productive, and prepare for the next day…and help you not lose your mind in the process! We’ll dig into how to create effective after-school routines that make back-to-school season easier for everyone.

Why After-School Routines Matter

A reliable after-school routine can reduce post-school day stress, improve time management, and ensure that important tasks, like homework and activities, are completed without unnecessary drama. After school can be a time of high stress after both you and your child have been “on” all day, so it can also be a common time for power struggles.

Establishing an after-school routine also allows for downtime, nutrition, and family connection, which are vital for overall well-being.

A Consistent After-School Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to after-school routines. Notice I said consistent, not wildly structured. Establishing a predictable schedule helps children know what to expect, which can reduce resistance and make the transition from school to home smoother.

Establish a Routine Timeline

Create a timeline that outlines the after-school period. This timeline should include specific blocks of time for activities such as:

• Free Time: Provide some unstructured time for your child to relax, play, or engage in a hobby. Depending on your child, you may want to start your routine with free time vs. a reward for finishing tasks.
• Snack Time (or Dinner Time): A healthy, protein-rich snack can help recharge your child’s energy after a long school day.
• Homework Time: Designate a quiet time for homework, allowing children to focus on their studies without distractions.
• Family Tasks: Incorporate daily or weekly tasks that contribute to the family or prepare your child for activities to come
• Dinner Prep: Involve your child in dinner preparations or have them own a meal, depending on their age.

Set Clear Expectations

Clearly communicate the routine and set expectations for each part of the schedule. Remember the checklists we talked about in the first two episodes? This is another great option if you have kids that thrive on those visual cues.

Create a Dedicated Homework Space

Homework is a key component of any after-school routine. Having a dedicated space for homework can help your child stay focused and organized.

Choose the Right Space

Select a quiet, well-lit area in your home where your child can work without distractions. This could be a desk in their bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a designated spot at the kitchen table. Make sure the space is equipped with all the necessary supplies, such as pencils, paper, and a calculator, to avoid interruptions.

Encourage Independence

While it’s important to be available for help, encourage your child to work independently as much as possible. This fosters a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency. Check in periodically to offer support, but avoid hovering, as this can be counterproductive.

Another way to encourage independence while providing support is with a concept called body doubling or parallel working. We dug into this a little deeper in Episode 180 with Carrie Bonnett when we talked about executive functioning skills. Essentially, this means you are working near your child on your own focused tasks in order help them stay present and focused on their own work.

Set a Homework Routine

Establish a routine around homework time, such as starting immediately after a snack or following a short break. We used to let the kids come home and immediately jump on the trampoline (we called it “getting their crazies out”) before they started snack and homework to expend some pent-up energy from the school day before needing to focus again on tasks. 

Consistency helps children settle into the task more easily and reduces power struggles.

The Delicate Balance of Structured and Unstructured Time

After a full day of school, children need time to unwind and recharge. Striking a balance between structured activities and unstructured free time is crucial for their overall development. This can often be a delicate balance if you have multiple children with varied interests.

Incorporate Free Time

Allow your child to have some free time each day to do what they enjoy, whether it’s playing outside, reading, or engaging in creative activities. This time is important for mental and emotional well-being, giving them a break from the demands of school and homework.

Choose Productive Activities

While unstructured time is valuable, it’s also important to encourage activities that promote creativity, physical activity, or social interaction. Encourage your child to participate in activities that they are passionate about, such as playing an instrument, drawing, or joining a sports team.

The Screen Time Battle

You get to decide what is right for your family when it comes to screen time and set clear guidelines. For most families, inconsistency is a bigger challenge than strict or lax screen expectations. 

Creating a Family Team

Incorporating family tasks into the after-school routine teaches children responsibility and helps them develop important life skills.

Assign Age-Appropriate Family Tasks (Chores!)

Assign chores based on your child’s age and abilities. Younger children can handle simple tasks like setting the table or feeding a pet, while older children can take on more complex responsibilities like doing laundry or helping with dinner. Rotate chores regularly to keep things interesting and ensure that your child learns a variety of skills.

Make Tasks Fun

Turn chores into a game or challenge to make them more enjoyable. For example, set a timer and see if your child can complete their tasks before it goes off, or play their favorite music while they work. Remember that whether the task is a slog or part of a bigger dance party, it still gets done. Why make it hard?

Teach the Value of Contribution

Explain to your child that chores are a way to contribute to the family and that everyone plays a part in keeping the household running smoothly. This helps them understand the importance of teamwork and the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the family’s well-being.

Wind Down with an Evening Routine

As the day comes to an end, winding down with a calming evening routine can help your child transition smoothly from after-school activities to bedtime.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

A consistent bedtime routine helps regulate your child’s sleep patterns and ensures they get enough rest. This routine could include brushing teeth, changing into pajamas, and reading a bedtime story. Aim for a regular bedtime that allows your child to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age.

Reflect on the Day

Spend a few minutes talking with your child about their day. Ask them what they enjoyed, what challenges they faced, and what they’re looking forward to tomorrow. This not only helps them process their experiences but also strengthens your connection. We like to use the “best/worst” of the day question during dinner time, but you can use this any time.

Embrace an Effective After-School Routine

Mastering after-school routines is essential for a successful and stress-free back-to-school season. By establishing a reliable routine, creating a dedicated homework space, balancing structured and unstructured time, involving your child in family tasks, and winding down with a calming evening routine, you can help your child thrive during the school year.

Thank you for joining us on the Secrets of Supermom Show! Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll explore how to cherish and capture school memories throughout the year. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you found these tips helpful. Until next time, keep being the amazing supermoms you are!

Related Episodes

Mastering Morning Routines: Back to School Made Easy | Part 1

Organizing Family Schedules: Back to School Made Easy | Part 2

Reflecting and Reassessing: Back to School Made Easy | Part 4