Being a mom is hard enough, but being a working mom? That’s a whole different level of challenging. Throw in after-school activities for the kids, and you’ve got a recipe for stressed out, frazzled, and exhausted.
So, what’s a busy mom to do? First, take a deep breath. Second, check out this list of creative and fun after-school activities that will keep your kids entertained and engaged without sucking up all of your time and energy.
After School Activities
1. Enroll Them in an After-School Program
Yes, this may seem like a no-brainer, but hear us out. There are some amazing after-school programs out there that offer everything from homework help to sports to arts and crafts. Doing a little research to find the right fit for your child can make all the difference in their after-school experience—and your peace of mind.
Homework Club at the Library
Libraries offer a variety of resources to help students with their homework. These include reference materials, internet access, and print resources. However, one of the most valuable resources that libraries offer is Homework Clubs. Homework Clubs are usually held after school and provide a quiet space for students to work on their homework. They also offer the opportunity to get help from a tutor or librarian if needed. In addition, Homework Clubs provide a great way for students to socialize and make new friends. If you are looking for a safe and supportive environment to help you with your homework, be sure to check out your local library’s Homework Club and visit the 5 libraries we love for your little ones too!
Piano Lessons
Moms are always looking for after-school activities that are both enriching and convenient, and piano lessons fit the bill on both counts. First of all, piano lessons provide a creative outlet that busy moms may not have time for otherwise. Secondly, learning to play the piano is a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. Finally, piano lessons offer a flexible schedule that can be easily worked around a busy mom’s timetable. In short, piano lessons are a great after-school activity for busy moms because they are creative, relaxing, and convenient.
Girl Scouts
Being a Girl Scout is a great way to keep your daughter busy after school while also teaching her valuable life skills. As a Girl Scout, she will learn how to be independent, responsible, and resourceful. She will also have the opportunity to make new friends and explore her creativity. And best of all, as a Girl Scout mom, you can be as involved as you like. Whether you volunteer to help with troop activities or simply lend a listening ear, you’ll be helping your daughter grow into a strong and confident young woman.
2. Get Them Involved in a Club or Sport
Is your child interested in chess, dance, drama, or soccer? Find an after-school club or team that they can join to indulge their interests and meet new friends. Not only will they love having something to look forward to after school, but they’ll also benefit from the discipline and structure that comes with being part of a team.
How to Choose the Right Club or Sport for your Child
With so many different clubs and sports available, it can be tough to know how to choose the right one for your child. Here are a few factors to keep in mind: first, consider your child’s interests and abilities. If they’re naturally athletic, they may excel in a sport like soccer or basketball. If they’re more creative, they might enjoy a club like dance or drama. Second, think about your family’s schedule and budget. Some clubs meet weekly, while others only meet once a month. And some clubs require expensive equipment or travel to competitions, while others are relatively low-cost. Finally, talk to other parents and ask for recommendations. They may have insider knowledge about which clubs are the most well-run and enjoyable for kids. With a little research, you’re sure to find the perfect club or sport for your child.
The Benefits of After-school Clubs and Sports
After-school clubs and sports can provide a much-needed outlet for students who have spent the day sitting in a classroom. By participating in activities that are both fun and challenging, students can blow off steam, socialize with their peers, and stay physically active. In addition, after-school clubs and sports can help to develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management. These activities can also boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. For students who are struggling academically or socially, after-school clubs and sports can be particularly beneficial by providing a supportive environment where they can feel successful. Whether it’s scoring the winning goal or simply making new friends, after-school clubs and sports offer countless opportunities for personal growth.
3. Plan Fun At-Home Activities
Don’t have the time or money to commit to an outside activity? No problem. There are plenty of fun things you can do at home with your kids. Get creative and come up with a list of ideas that you can rotate through on different days—think board game night, make your own pizza night, build forts and have a pillow fight night, etc. The options are endless. And who knows, you might just have as much fun as they do.
4. Start a Shared Hobby/Project
Have you always wanted to learn how to knit or garden? Why not start a shared hobby or project with your child? Not only will you get quality bonding time, but you’ll also be teaching them valuable skills and showing them that it’s never too late to learn something new.
What Are Some Good Hobbies or Projects to Start with?
After school is a great time for kids to wind down from a busy day and have some fun. But, it can also be a productive time for them to learn new skills or explore their interests. For parents, after-school activities can provide an opportunity to bond with their children and teach them important life lessons. Here are a few after-school hobbies and projects that are both fun and educational:
Arts and crafts: From painting and sculpture to Origami and jewelry making, there are endless possibilities when it comes to arts and crafts projects. Not only is this a great way for kids to express their creativity, but it can also help them develop fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
Gardening: Gardening is a calming activity that can teach kids about nature and the environment. They can help plant seeds, water the plants, and watch them grow. And when the garden is in bloom, they’ll have the satisfaction of seeing all their hard work pay off.
Cooking: After school is the perfect time for kids to learn how to cook simple meals. They can start by helping to prepare snacks or setting the table, and then move on to more complex dishes as they get older. In addition to teaching them valuable life skills, cooking can also be a fun way for parents and children to bond over something delicious.
5. Encourage Reading and Writing Outside of Schoolwork
One of the best things you can do for your child’s education is to encourage them to read books that interest them and write about what they’re learning—and it doesn’t have to be related to schoolwork. If they’re struggling to come up with ideas, help them brainstorm a list of topics they might be interested in exploring further through reading and writing. It could be anything from sports to history to animals to outer space.
Conclusion:
Being a busy mom is no joke—but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom either. With a little bit of planning (and maybe some help from this list), you can easily fit after-school activities into your hectic schedule without throwing off your whole routine—or losing your mind in the process.