6 Tips for spending afternoons effectively with children: balancing homework, play, and responsibilities

For young elementary school children, the time after school is a perfect opportunity to develop skills, relax, and spend time with family. However, balancing responsibilities, homework, and ensuring kids have enough time to play can be challenging. How can you structure the afternoon to ensure everything gets done peacefully and without stress? Here are a few tips for making the most of after-school time effectively.

1. Coming home: Time to unwind and relax

Children are often tired after a busy day at school and need time to unwind. Coming home should be a relaxed moment for children to relieve the day's stress. Offer them a healthy snack and give them some time to rest.

Tip: Involve your children in preparing simple meals. It not only keeps them entertained but also develops their independence and skills.

2. Homework: Effective planning and routine

Homework is an integral part of school life. Establish a regular time for completing homework, preferably after a short break. Younger children often need your support, so try to be present to help with any questions.

Tips for efficient homework:

• Break it into smaller tasks: If your child has several assignments, break them into shorter sections. A brief break between each task can help maintain focus.
• Create a pleasant workspace: A good atmosphere is crucial. Ensure your child has a dedicated space where they feel comfortable and can concentrate. It should be a specific area for doing homework, separate from where they play or relax.

3. Playtime: The importance of movement and creativity

After completing homework, children need to have enough time to play and be active. This part of the day can be an excellent opportunity for creative and fun activities supporting their development.

Activities to try:

• COLORMAG building sets: With COLORMAG, children have limitless possibilities for play. It’s a fun and relaxing activity that helps develop spatial awareness and creative thinking.
• Silky Crayons: Let children draw, paint, and express their feelings through art. Drawing after school can be a great way to relax. Silky Crayons have a soft texture, are easy to clean from any surface, and act like watercolours when they come into contact with water.
• Rainbow Keepers suction cup set: This set includes 20 double-sided cards that playfully develop logical thinking, counting skills, and the option of building in 2D and 3D.
• Woodie Pops and Woodie Numbers: These two products help children learn maths skills in a fun way. They are high-quality wooden toys made from durable materials, offering many possibilities for fun and learning.

4. Household responsibilities: Teaching responsibility

Children in the early years of primary school should start gradually learning responsibility. Involve them in simple household tasks, such as tidying toys, preparing clothes for the next day, or helping with dinner. These tasks teach them essential life skills and foster a sense of responsibility.

Tip: Turn these tasks into a game! For example, who can tidy up the toys the fastest or fold the clothes the best? It motivates children to participate.

5. Balance is key: Play, responsibilities, and rest

Creating a healthy balance between play, learning, and responsibilities is the key to keeping children and parents happy. Every child needs enough time for spontaneous play to relax and develop their imagination. Still, they also need to understand the importance of taking a responsible approach to homework and chores.

Basic rules for balance:

• Stick to a routine: Parents should create a daily routine so children know what to expect. It helps them focus on tasks and enjoy their well-deserved free time afterwards.
• Alternate activities: After sitting down to do homework, it’s a good idea for children to engage in physical activities and vice versa.

6. Evening: Time to relax and prepare for the next day

After dinner, it’s time to wind down with more calming activities. Reading books together or talking about the day can be a wonderful part of the evening routine. It strengthens your bond with your child and supports the development of language and communication skills.

Tip: Use MAGBOOKS or educational cards to create stories or find answers to questions. This way, you can prepare children for the next school day in a fun way.

Spending afternoons with children can be effective if you establish the proper routine and balance learning, play, and rest. With a well-structured routine, your child will gradually build a responsible approach to homework while still enjoying free time and creative games.