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The kids are home from school. They're hungry, tired and they want you to occupy them for the rest of the day. What can you do? Here are a few tips to help you get through the day.
1. Give them a ten minute break. Let the kids tell you about their day at school and share stories. Fix them a healthy snack if they're hungry and then proceed to homework.
2. Homework, ahoy! It's best to get this done in the afternoon so the kids can get a break from school during the evening. Help them do it, but don't do it for them. This gives you a good chance to see what they're learning, and they'll know you care about what is going on in their academic lives.
3. Playtime! If you let your child go out to play with neighborhood friends, make sure you know who they are hanging out with. It is a good idea to set geographical boundaries to let them know where they can and cannot go. It also makes it much easier to locate your child when you need to find them.
4. What to do, what to do! If you don't want the kids playing in the street, or if bad weather arises, you have many options. They're listed below!
-Cooking. Children love to play "special helper" when you're baking a cake or something. If they are old enough, they can learn about measurements while helping you get your cooking done. They can also help, in many cases, prepare dinner.
-Videos. Filter out all of the junk on television by investing in some movies or educational videos, depending on age. These will interest your children and ensure that they are viewing appropriate material because you get to screen it.
-Crafts. Children also love to work with their hands and create things. Toss those crayons and papers aside and head to the craft store. Whether it be beads, latch-hook kits, cross-stitching or something related, crafts are sure to please. Many stores have kits where all of the pieces and materials are included. They are often inexpensive and fun for you and your child to do together.
-Read. Sounds boring when you say, "Go get a book and read or something," but if you bring your children to the library and allow them a certain amount of books each week, they will be more apt to picking up the habit.
-Exercise. Most children do not get enough exercise. Take the kids out for a walk or a bike ride. You'll enjoy the weather and fresh air. You and your child will get exercise, too, which is always good. If you don't already, consider getting a dog. This way, the kids have to walk it and they are forced to get exercise.
5. Let them help you with your work. What can you delegate to your child? Depending on age, they are capable of helping with food shopping, cleaning and cooking. Let your children help out with your chores. It takes a load off of you, and they love to be included in grown-up activities.
When all else fails, plop down on the couch with those adorable children that you have and tell a good story or two. The best time you can spend with your kid is quality time. Sharing photos and stories is always fun on both ends.
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