Once the final bell has rung for the day and your child is home from school, there’s so much that could be done. But how can you make the most of the hours between school and bedtime? Jo Caruana walks the line between fun and practicality to find out.

We all know that school day mornings are completely mad. From the grumpy faces dreaming of a lie-in, to the rigmarole of teeth brushing, breakfast eating and getting out the door, there is so rarely any time for parents and their children to spend quality time together.

Thank goodness, then, for the expanse of time that stretches out into the afternoon – whether from 1pm or 3pm – when your little one rushes through the front door ready for all sorts of fun and games.

Like with most successful things in the adult world, a well-organised week of afternoons for your child will start with some careful planning.

It’s good for your child to know what is expected from them after school, and when they will be doing what. Try to find some time on Sunday evenings when you can sit down to go through the diary for the week, slotting in anything that needs to be remembered – such as extracurricular activities, play dates, meals, doctors’ visits, parties, jobs to do, homework and even free time.

Recent research has shown that children respond well to after-school activities

Go through the schedule with your child and explain that there will be a mix of activities – some of their favourites to look forward to, and others that need to be done.

Recent research has shown that children really do respond well to after-school activities. Try to schedule something for your child a couple of times a week, to show them that there is a life of learning beyond their traditional classroom walls.

From a very early age you should try to involve your little one in your choices for their activities. The important thing is not to overload them. You shouldn’t put too much pressure on these activities as they are supposed to be fun but, at the same time, you shouldn’t allow them to quit at the drop of a hat either. Regularly discuss what activities your child is most enjoying so that they can find one that will hopefully become a hobby for them in adulthood.

Two things that you child will have to fit in after school every day are homework and meal times. Just like with everything else, it’s important to develop a routine here. Does your child like a snack as soon as he or she gets home, followed by a larger meal later? Or is it better to give them a meal straightaway and a snack later?

Similarly, should homework be done straight away, or should they have some free time first? Either way, by establishing a set schedule your child will know exactly what’s going to happen when.

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