Creating An Activity Program For Your Child
For those who have to balance being a parent and working, it may be difficult to make sure the children get the most out of their free time. Many times, there are only a few options in terms of childcare. You can either pay for childcare or ask a relative.
Paying for childcare might be the best option. The right childcare facility may have everything your child needs. However, not all of us have the extra income.
On the other hand, asking a relative is likely the less expensive option. But, how often are relatives trained and/or willing to taking care of children? I love my mother, but I know how hard she worked to get me out to college and the adult world. I'm not sure she'd want to get back into parenting.
There is a mixed option which has the structure of specialize childcare facilities and the low cost of relatives.
Try creating a program for your child to follow under the supervision of a relative. A program can be as simple as deciding 1) what your child will do and 2) what will keep the child interested.
1) Deciding What Your Child Will Do
There are several options in deciding what your child will do. Which will take pressure off your childcare relative. You can create the program with your child and/or with the childcare provider.
find a free online learning program like abcya.com or frontrow.com.
eating food
watching tv
playing outside
completing homework
Here is a sample schedule your child can follow:
2:30 pm Eat a Snack
2:45 pm Complete Homework
3:15 pm Watch TV
3:45 pm Play Outside
4:15 pm Eat Another Snack
4:45 pm Use the Free Online Learning Program
5:15 pm Help Prepare Dinner
6:00 pm Eat with Mom
2) What Will Keep Your Child Interested
Keeping up with a child's interests is one of the most difficult part of being a parent. Not only do they change frequently, but they may also be difficult to incorporate into an after school program. Here are a few ideas on how to keep your program interested.
Let your child earn a reward after difficult tasks. Many activities are motivating to children. Popular activities include watching TV, going on the computer and playing a game.
Talk to your child about character traits like responsibility. You can say something like, "Do your best to be responsible while I'm gone.
Incorporate your child's interests into your program. For example, if your child likes Spongebob, schedule your child's TV watching time when Spongebob is on. Or if your child likes playing basketball, schedule outside time at a basketball court.
If you pre-plan your child's after school time, your child's caregiver will be able to watch over your child without the stress of keep the child occupied.
As always if you would like help coming up with and Activity Program, feel free to contact me :)
