Last month, my oldest started first grade and began his first year of full-day school, which has been quite an adjustment for our entire family. As we navigate the new demands of his academic schedule, we’ve had to rethink our daily routines in order to both accomplish the everyday tasks of school and family life as well as get the most out of the now-fewer number of hours we have to spend together.
As parents, one of our jobs is to help our children learn how to manage their time effectively. By empowering them to spend their afternoons constructively and in ways that reflect both their personal interests and our family values, we can help them grow into well-rounded individuals. Today, I want to share some parenting tips that have helped us make the most of our time after school.
First Things First: Connecting with your Kids
One of the most valuable parenting tips I’ve come across is the principle of “First Things First” from Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This concept emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks that align with our most important goals, rather than simply reacting to the urgent but ultimately less significant demands of daily life. For our family, this means setting aside time right after school to focus on what matters most: connection.
Reconnecting with my children after a long day allows us to check in with each other and decompress in a way that strengthens our emotional ties. And although my husband usually isn’t home right after the kids get out of school, he incorporates similar reconnection rituals and routines once he returns from work. As children grow and continue to expand their horizons and social networks, it’s important for them to know that home is a soft place to land at the end of the day—a space where they can feel acceptance, safety, and love. By intentionally connecting at homecomings, parents create a foundation of trust and security that helps children navigate the challenges of their daily lives.
This parenting tip not only reinforces our family bond but also provides our kids with the emotional support they need to face the world with confidence. Whether it’s through a simple conversation, a “welcome home” hug, a shared snack, or just sitting together quietly, these moments of connection remind them that, no matter what happens away from home, they are valued and understood. In turn, this sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, making it easier to transition into other activities like homework or chores. Prioritizing connection is not just about addressing immediate needs—it’s about nurturing long-term emotional resilience and well-being.
Balancing Responsibilities: Encouraging Independence and Growth
Once you’ve taken a moment to reconnect, “First Things First” also can come in handy as you undertake other necessary tasks in your home. These might include homework, household chores, practicing an instrument, or preparing for the next school day. Allowing your child to take on these responsibilities not only teaches valuable life skills but also fosters a sense of accomplishment.
One parenting tip that has worked well for my family is creating a visual schedule or checklist that everyone can follow. This approach gives them a clear understanding of what needs to be done while also allowing them to anticipate their free time after they’ve finished. By teaching them to manage their responsibilities effectively, you’re setting the stage for lifelong habits of productivity and self-discipline.
Limit Screen Time: Protecting Developing Minds
Something that has been crucial for my own family (and among the most frequently mentioned parenting tips I hear from others) is the importance of setting limits on screen time. In today’s digital age, screen time has become a significant—and understandable—concern for many parents. While screens can offer educational content and entertainment, excessive use can interfere with a child’s development, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Setting consistent limits on screen time can help ensure that it doesn’t take away from other essential activities like physical play, reading, or family interaction.
In our home, we’ve found that setting a timer to signal the end of screen time helps the kids manage expectations and reduces parent-child power struggles. Another approach to this could be having screen time at the same time each day to define boundaries and establish a healthy routine. Additionally, my husband and I try to promote screen activities that are educational or promote creativity rather than passive consumption.
Don’t Over-Schedule: Allowing Time for Rest and Creativity
In our effort to provide our children with as many opportunities as possible, it’s easy to fall into the trap of over-scheduling. However, packing their afternoons with back-to-back activities can lead to burnout for both children and parents. One parenting tip that’s often overlooked is the importance of allowing downtime.
For your younger children, allow some unstructured time to explore their interests at their own pace. Free time spent playing with toys, drawing, or even simply daydreaming is essential for supporting creativity and independent thinking. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of play for growing children, highlighting how it helps them develop cognitive, physical, and social skills.
For older children, encourage them to avoid trying to participate in everything. Help them to recognize that their value does not lie in how many clubs they sign up for or how many extra-curriculars they juggle, and support them in mindfully choosing activities that mean the most to them. By focusing on a few meaningful activities, they can develop a deeper commitment and passion, rather than spreading themselves too thin.
Resisting the urge to over-schedule gives your child the space they need to grow in their unique way. This parenting tip is a reminder that not every moment needs to be filled with activity—sometimes, the best learning happens as a result of boredom or moments of quiet reflection.
The Power of Family Dinners: Sharing a Meal Together
Eating meals together is another invaluable parenting tip. There’s something magical about gathering around the dinner table as a family. Sharing a meal provides an opportunity to connect, tell stories, and reinforce family values. Studies have shown that children who regularly eat dinner with their families are more likely to do well in school, have higher self-esteem, and avoid risky behaviors.
In our family, we make it a priority to have dinner together as often as possible. This doesn’t have to be a gourmet meal—what matters most is the time spent together. Use this time to discuss the day’s events, plan for upcoming activities, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
If dinner doesn’t work for your family, consider finding another time of day—like breakfast or an evening snack—when you can sit down together. The key is consistency and making eating together a regular part of your routine.
Make Time for Fun: Building Positive Memories
Finally, one of the most enjoyable parenting tips is to make time for fun. Fun doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive—it’s the shared laughter and light-hearted moments that create lasting bonds. Having fun together also can provide important relief from the stress of day-to-day living.
Research from the University of California, Riverside, underscores the importance of positive emotions in family life, noting that shared laughter and fun activities can strengthen family ties and improve overall happiness. In our home, we’ve found that ending the day with a fun activity helps everyone unwind and go to bed with a smile. Some of our favorites are playing a round of Uno, having a dance-off, or holding a wrestling match.
Check out @playfulheartparenting on Instagram for some ideas on infusing more fun into your parenting.
For the Adults: A Flexible Approach to Parenting Tips
It’s important to remember that not every day will go as planned, and that’s okay. The parenting tips shared here are meant to be flexible guidelines, not rigid rules. Some days, you might focus more on connection and family bonding; other days, you may feel lucky to simply get through the minimum number of tasks that need to be done. The trick is to find a balance that works for your family.
By prioritizing what matters most—building healthy family relationships and fostering personal growth—you’re helping your child develop into a well-rounded, happy individual. Remember, the after-school hours are a precious time to reconnect, recharge, and enjoy each other’s company. With these parenting tips, you can make the most of this time and create lasting memories for everyone in your family.