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Have you ever thought of how you can build a better after-school routine for your tween or kids such that they don’t end up just playing computer games or watching YouTube funny videos? It can be challenging for parents and tweens to find other ways to enjoy their time productively when they have no homework from school.
Here I share some of the after-school routines you can follow for your kids or tweens so they can be happier and at the same time feels more connected with themselves and the rest of the family members. These routines will help build a sense of responsibility, life skills, and a good attitude as they grow older.
1. Exercise or Play Together at the Park
Take the time to bring your tween or your kid to the playground or the park during non-PE days. Kids do play at school, but due to certain Covid restrictions, they don’t have much time to play with friends as they want to. Take the afterschool opportunity to be with your tween, playing whatever games they want. My tween likes to play volleyball at the park. At times we also play basketball. You will know your tween well by being with them and doing things together that make them happy.
2. Take a Good Bath
Taking a bath is such a boring routine for some kids. You can make it more interesting by letting them soak in a bubble bath for a few minutes longer than usual or prepare a warm bath for them with their favourite scent. You can have them prepare it or prepare together; whichever way is enjoyable. Having a variety of soap scents is something new and will be more fun and enjoyable for them. It will also help them relax their muscles and get into a positive mood for the rest of the night.
3. Get in the Habit of Writing Together in the Journal
Who says that only adults can do journaling? Back in our old days, we probably call journaling like writing in the diary. Although, it was then merely a colourful book where you could write down the memorable and fun things that happened during the day. Nowadays, there are a lot of journals available for tweens or kids. One of the things we do together is writing in the “mother and daughter” journal. I share a little more about other ways to meaningfully connect with your tween daughter and its benefits here. My tween also has another solo journal that has thought-provoking prompts in them. Writing a journal promotes self-awareness, gratitude, and personal growth.
4. Teach your Tween to Clean Up Her Lunch Box and Snack Box
Often, it is always the mother who does the cleaning and washing of the lunch box. Never feel guilty about teaching your kid or tween at a young age to care for her stuff. Teaching them how to soap and wash their lunch box is a great way to be more responsible. Let it be part of her house chore is a perfect example that families ought to help each other willingly.
5. Have your Child Participate in Virtual Leadership and Training Sessions
Many non-profit organizations are more than willing to help ease the burden of being locked down at home. As such, they offer several virtual training and leadership sessions with different age groups. The sessions are not daily and hold once or twice a week. Google search non-profit organizations in your vicinity that offer those type of activities that helps build child’s resiliency, emotional intelligence, and life skills. One of the organizations that offer similar activities for varying age groups is the Low Entropy Foundation.
6. Help Your Child Develop the Habit of Reading a Book
Getting your child grow the habit of reading will improve her vocabulary and reading comprehension that will ultimately improve her creativity and critical thinking skills. Apart from playing online games like Minecraft Education, you can provide inspiring and educational storybooks, non-fiction, and fiction books that your tween finds appealing. Sometimes, nudging them to read if they don’t like, could be challenging, but once you make it available for them and see the book fascinating, they would pick it up and start reading. There are many available free books you can borrow for your child in the community library. If you are living in the tri-cities of Lower Mainland, Vancouver, you can check out the free books from the little library. For the more techie type and if you want to monitor your child’s progress, there are several great reading apps which your child can use anytime and anywhere.
7. Let your Child/Tween Prepare Her Clothes & Other Stuff for School
Your child feels happy when they can wear clothes they like, and they feel empowered if you let them decide what to wear for school. Let them prepare their clothes (or uniform), socks, and whatever school stuff to bring before going to bed so that they will not rush the next day. Instill in them the habit of preparing early for times like school days. They will learn the attitude of always preparing early and ready to seize the day as they grow up.
8. Pray together
Praying together shows a great perspective to your tween. At a young age, they may not have a strong sense of faith yet. Engaging them every day in praying together and seeking God even when they don’t completely understand is a worthwhile pursuit. Praying together can be a step in teaching them to acknowledge God and honour Him as they grow older. Never skip this part of your child or tween’s routine.
Having a good afterschool routine for kids is a lifesaver both for the kids and the parents. Afterschool routine makes your kids happier and connected. As a summary, these are the eight afterschool routines you can follow:
1. Exercise or play together at the park.
2. Take a good bath.
3. Get in the habit of writing together in the journal.
4. Teach your tween to clean up her lunch box and snack box.
5. Have your tween participate in virtual leadership and training sessions.
6. Help our child develop the habit of reading a book.
7. Let your child/tween prepare her clothes & other stuff for school.
8. Pray together.
Do you have other after-school routines that are effectively helping you and your child become happier and more connected? I would love to read your comments here.