The kids come flying through the door - bags dumped, shoes kicked off, everyone hungry, tired, and wired at the same time.
You’re trying to unpack lunchboxes, manage homework, start dinner, and somehow keep the peace.
It’s a lot.
Let's get a simple after-school routine going so all that energy can settle into something more calm and manageable 💗
Start with a pause. Before jumping straight into homework or chores, give the kids a moment to decompress. Let them have a snack, some quiet time, or a play outside to shake off the school day. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when kids have a chance to reset.
Next, have a landing spot for bags, shoes, and lunchboxes. Hooks, baskets, or a corner by the door work well. When there’s a go-to spot, you’re not constantly reminding them where things go - and the house stays tidier.
Then move into your “reset and reconnect” time. Check school notes, unpack lunchboxes, and have a quick chat about their day. It doesn’t need to be deep, just a few minutes of connection makes a big difference.
If homework is part of your afternoon, set it up with a time limit and clear finish. Some families like to do it straight after the snack break, others prefer after dinner. Find what works for your energy flow, and keep it consistent.
Sprinkle in light structure to keep everyone grounded:
- Snack
- Bags unpacked
- Homework or play
- Free time or screens
- Dinner
The order matters more than the exact times, it helps kids know what to expect and reduces the overwhelm for everyone.
Most importantly, leave space for flexibility. Some days will go smoothly, others will still be a little chaotic. Your simple routine will give you a solid base to come back to, even when the day has gone off-track.
Let me know this goes for you! And if you'd like more tips like this, check out The Busy Mum's Guide to Making Life Easier.
x Marissa
