Supporting Children with After-School Routines

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 simple tips to create a smooth afternoon and evening routine.

1. After-School Transition

• Create conversation - Ask about their day:

  • What did they do?

  • How are they feeling?

    • If they have challenges, address them with understanding and discuss solutions.

    • If needed, consider support from services like Te Tahi Youth (10+) or Manu Ka Rere (13+).

• Down time/play time - Allow kids to engage in free play, reading, drawing or playing with toys.

• Healthy snacks and physical activity - Give kids a chance to refuel with nutritious snacks and get the body moving with activities like dancing, games or outdoor play.

2. Dinner Time

• Set a consistent dinner time each night (e.g., 6:00 PM) to create stability.

• Use mealtime as a chance to reconnect as a family.

3. Evening Wind-Down Routine

• After dinner tasks:

  • Homework if applicable (if not done earlier).

  • Shower/bath and getting ready for bed (brushing teeth, brushing hair, putting on pajamas).

  • Laying out school uniforms and packing school bags.

  • Preparing lunch the night before and storing it in the fridge.

• Technology use:

  • If necessary, allow screen time but turn off devices at least one hour before bed to promote better sleep.

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

Shared with Permission from Tupuranga Attendance Service.