Guide for Parents: Supporting Children with After-School Routines (Part 2)
Advice from Tupuranga Attendance Service
Helping children develop a consistent after-school routine sets them up for a well-rested and stress-free start to the next school day. Below are another 2 simple tips to create a smooth afternoon and evening routine. We posted the first 3 tips in our last newsletter.
4. Bedtime Routine
Ensure children get 9–12 hours of sleep (e.g., if wake-up is at 7:00 AM, bedtime should be between 8:00–9:00 PM).
Set an alarm for the morning—more than one if they are a heavy sleeper.
Create a calm bedtime environment with relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to soft music.
5. Maintaining Consistency
Try to keep the same routine every night, even on weekends.
Consistency helps children feel secure and reduces morning struggles.
Any changes in routine may require time to adjust, so be patient and guide them back into rhythm.
Helpful Tip: Create a visual poster of the routine and place it near their bedroom door as a reminder.
By establishing a structured after-school routine, children feel more prepared, less stressed, and ready to take on the next day with confidence.
Sample after-school routine
Time (p.m.) | Activity |
3:00-3:30 | Downtime: Allow kids to engage in free play, reading, drawing or playing with toys. |
3:30-4:30 | Healthy snacks and physical activity: Give kids a chance to refuel with nutritious snacks and get the body moving with activities like dancing, yoga or outdoor play. |
4:30-5:30 | Homework and study time: A designated focused block for completing schoolwork, with parental/caregiver support as needed. |
5:30-6:00 | Family time: Engage in a shared activity, such as a family game night, cooking together or simply chatting about each other’s days. |
By establishing a structured after-school routine, children feel more prepared, less stressed, and ready to take on the next day with confidence.