Working full-time and being a mom is hard work. We have daycare pickup, swim lessons, gymnastics, baseball, soccer, Girl Scouts, church events, you name it! We are busy! It’s hard to find time to do pretty much anything, but let’s talk about those crazy few hours after school and before bedtime, shall we?
We know how hectic life can get during the work week, but squeezing in some quality time with our little ones is an absolute must. It doesn’t matter how old your kiddos are, tailor the activity to your children’s age group.
Here are some ideas to make those after-school moments count.
Tech-Free Zone
First, let’s unplug and reconnect! Designate some screen-free time to focus on each other. Trust me, the TikTok videos can wait.
Outdoor Adventures
Time to soak up some Vitamin D! You would be surprised at how everyone feels better when they get outside together! Take a stroll, hop on bikes, or hit up the nearest park. It’s a win-win–fresh air for everyone and a chance to burn off some energy. You can even bring your dinner to the park and have a picnic as a family.
With springtime upon us, gardening is a terrific way to teach your children a new skill and bond with each other. You can learn about gardening with your kiddos in this great article by another Boise Mom: Guide to Gardening in Boise: How to Start and Involve Your Kids.
Crafty Indoor Fun
Get those creative juices flowing with some indoor projects. Think painting, baking cookies, or building the ultimate blanket fort. Crafts don’t have to be planned and structured. Get out the supplies and go to town! Let everyone create their own thing and let their creativity shine.
» » » » » » RELATED READ: Spring Is Here: Cherishing the Seasons of Motherhood « « « « « «
Story Time Magic
Snuggle up and dive into a good book together. Let your little ones pick out their favorites or discover new adventures. When they are younger, a few short books are great, but you’d be surprised at how your four-year-old might enjoy a good chapter book that you read to them. Trust me, these story sessions are pure gold for bonding.
Kitchen Sidekick
Time to put those tiny hands to work in the kitchen! Whip up some dinner together and try out a new recipe. If getting their hands on the food makes you nervous, my favorite thing to do is to let them help me with the dishes. They rinse, and I load them into the dishwasher. It takes longer, but they have a blast. It may be messy, and a bit chaotic, but it’s worth it.
Game On, Family Style
Bust out the board games and let the friendly competition begin! Whether it’s Candy Land or Apples to Apples, family game night is always a blast. Learn new games together, and don’t forget to check out your local library! The Garden City Library has a ton of board games and activities you can check out. You can even find board games that are meant for your two-year-olds so they can get in on the fun!
Library Time
If you’re looking to get out of the house for something that isn’t your children’s extracurriculars, we love the library. Most local libraries are open until 8 pm on the weekdays. The hours and addresses of the public libraries are available here. The kids can pick out new books or your toddler can roam and play in the play areas. Most of the libraries have a great little play area for those younger readers! They also have computers and some have tablets with games if you want to give your children access to those as well. Some also host events after school for different age groups.
Heart-to-Heart Chats
Take a breather and have a good ol’ chat. Ask about their day, share funny stories, and let them know you’re all ears. It’s these little moments that matter most. We love to do conversation cards and ask a few each night. It helps you open up talking points, and it can help you get to know your older kids who aren’t as chatty all the time.
So, there you have it–some easy-peasy ways to make the most of our mom time after school. The great thing about kids is these activities don’t have to last for hours. Even giving them 30 minutes of your undivided attention helps strengthen your relationship with them. It will make you feel better too.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present. Let’s cherish these moments and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Boise Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
