Every parent knows what happens when you pick your child up from school. They are full of energy, they’re excitable, and they can’t wait to get home and wreak havoc. What follows is nothing short of your worst nightmare; your child is running around the house like crazy, and then they eventually tire themselves out after dinner.
Now, you can prevent your kids from going crazy at home by finding ways to keep them entertained after school. In essence, you provide them with an outlet for their energy, so by the time you do get home and have dinner, they’re all tuckered out.
Here’s how you can do just that:
Sign them up for after school clubs
No doubt their school has numerous clubs your child can join. If they don’t, your local area will definitely have some. There could be a local soccer team your child can join, giving them an excuse to run around like crazy after school. Or, you could sign them up for ballet lessons, letting them blow off steam in a children’s tutu dress. I mentioned school clubs because this means there’s a chance for them to join a club every day. So, this means there’s always something for them to look forward to after school, and all their energy will be almost burnt when you pick them up.
Go to your local park
Another idea is to go on a detour to your local park after school. This gives them a chance to run around, play in the playground, and just let go of all their built-up energy. It’s great because they aren’t doing this at home, creating a mess at the same time. That’s basically why we’re doing this; there’s nothing wrong with your kids having fun, it’s just that they go crazy and make loads of mess for you to clean up every day after school. By going to a park, they can run free for an hour or so until they tire themselves out.
Get them in the kitchen
Obviously, your kids need to have dinner after a long day at school. You need to make it, but it’s a bit hard when you have a hyperactive child in the next room making loads of noise and generating a mess. Well, you can pluck them from their fun and stick them in the kitchen with you. They will help you make dinner, which can be a real experience. It gives them something to do, which may actually calm them down a bit. Plus, you’re going to clean the kitchen after dinner anyway, so it doesn’t matter that much if they make a mess. Ultimately, this is a good idea to help your kids focus and avoid going crazy with energy after school finishes.
Hopefully, these tips will help you entertain your kids when the school day is over. Their minds are still racing, they still need engagement, and you can give it to them. The club idea is really good as it also lets them meet other kids and make friends.