After a long day of school, what do most parents do to engage with their children?
The answer is probably nothing.
It's true: when you and your kid are tired, it's hard to come up with something fun to do together. But we're here to tell you that there are so many fun ways to bond with your kid after school doesn't require any extra effort.
First, ask your child what they did throughout the day. This is an excellent way for them to practice telling stories, which will help them as they grow older. You can also ask them what they learned in class today—and take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new yourself! If you know little about science, history, or math, this is the perfect chance to learn more about it.
And if your child seems down or sad after school, make sure that they know how much you love them and give them words of encouragement. That way, even if they didn't have a good day at school, they'll still feel loved and supported by their parents.
They're great ways to keep kids busy and engaged in productive activities, but they can also be a great way to bond with your child. Here are some of the most popular after-school activities:
Board games
Board games are a great way to spend time with your kids and get them thinking creatively. There are so many kinds that you can play together, including strategy games and cooperative games. For example, Scrabble is a classic game everyone loves—and it's even more fun when you play with your kid!
Baking
Baking can be fun, but it's also educational! Before you bake with your child, make sure they know how to read recipes so they can help in the kitchen. Check out our latest blog post about after-school snacks your child will enjoy!
Light exercise and stretching
Our bodies need to cool down after a long day at school or work. A light workout or a whole-body stretch routine is a good habit to cultivate. You can walk around the neighborhood, or a game of catch can be considered a light exercise.
Reading
Nothing beats a good book. You can read aloud together or read independently. If your children are not into reading yet, try listening to audiobooks!
It's easy to fall into a rut of doing the same thing every day, and then one day you realize your child has grown up without participating in any new activities. So, try out these activities today.
BONUS!
Don't forget you can try Chef Kids Kit. Each kit comes with 3 healthy, easy recipes to try and 3 plant-powered snacks. Join us in making memories with the people you love over a meal you made. Try a kit today!