Yay!! The kids are back in school! But with the peace of kids being back in school during the day, comes the chaos of after school. So, finding the perfect routine is important for everyone. Getting the ever-dreaded homework done is a battle all year long and after lots of trial and error, I have found a routine that works well and saves my family from some frustration.
The kids get home from school about 3:30 and I will start with giving them some free time and a snack. A snack is a must because my kids are “starving” when they get home and if I don’t give them a snack, getting homework done is next to impossible. They have been at school for 7 hours with very little time to relax and play, so it is important that they get time to do what they want and unwind. They can play on the iPads, run around outside or do just about whatever they want until 4 o’clock.
At 4, it is time to pick up and organize all the coats, shoes and book bags that were thrown all over the house when the kids walked in the door. The kids then get their folders or anything else out of their book bags and put in their designated Homework Bin. It is very helpful having a “homework bin” for each child. (I use the Cook Book Nook in my kitchen.)
(If you want to get rid of some of the school lunch calendars, fundraiser information and any other paper clutter, download the app, Evernote. It’s a great way to declutter and always have that important information with you wherever you go. Click here to go to the iTunes store for more information on Evernote.)
Then, the homework begins and we all sit at the table and get to work. Depending on your children’s ages, will change how you do homework. It may be beneificial to you to only work with one child at a time, while the others play. It is important to elimenate any distractions that you can. Turn off the TV. Don’t let another child sit nearby playing on an Ipad. Distractions will only make homework time longer and more frustrating for you and your child.
I hope this routine works as well for your family as it has for mine.
Best of luck getting through the school year with your sanity! 😉
Rachel
