After School Tips to Keep Your Kids Calm
By Genevieve Cunningham
School is about to start again. For parents, this might bring on a sigh of relief. For kids, it probably brings both excitement and a little bit of stress. Though school is fun and beneficial, it's also hard for kids. A new schedule, new people, new things to learn. It's a lot! Luckily, there are things that we, as adults, can do to help our kids be successful at school. And one of the best things we can do is give them a little safe space at home! If you want to be prepared to help your kids transition back to school, take a look at these tips for keeping them calm and healthy after school each day.
Give Them a Little Time
If it's possible, try not to bombard your kids after school. Ask them about their day, and then let them decompress. Let them breathe. School is hard for kids, especially young kids. They may need some time to relax before they're ready to talk. If you press them too hard too quickly, they may become irritable or even shut down altogether. Allow them a little space to be alone and with their own thoughts, and you may get more out of them later in the day.
Give Them a Snack
School requires kids to be on a very particular schedule. During the summer, kids can eat whenever they want. In the first few weeks back to school, they'll likely be famished after school. Have a snack read and waiting -- either in the pickup line or at home. This helps keep their blood sugar stable, and it also gives them a little energy after an exhausting day.
Don't Overschedule
We definitely want our kids to be involved, but having them in too many activities only makes the burnout worse. And if they do have some after school activities, try to give them a little time between class and their activity. Help kids manage their time, and you'll be saving yourself a lot of headache now, and helping your kids be more successful in the future.
School is great. It's where kids learn and grow and become themselves. But it's hard on kids. It's a tough job. When school is over and they feel safe at home, they may fall apart. Help them manage the stress and hold themselves together using these tips. With some patience on your part and some time on theirs, your kids will have healthy habits to help them through school both now and long into the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.