In general, back-to-school means less TV for our family. It' s easy to keep kids from becoming couch potatoes when there is so much to do after school and so little time to do it! This being our first week back, we haven't turned the TV on once. But, since I have elementary school kids, they still think school is just one big play date anyway, so they don't mind coming home, having a small snack, and getting to their reading and other homework. I know that as kids get older they sometimes tend to come home and plop down on the couch. I can understand that -- kids have to think a lot harder all day when they get into upper elementary and middle school.
I am a big believer in routines. I read in a book once (sorry, can't remember which one) that routines are great for kids, but they should be flexible, so kids don't get so stuck on them that they can't handle change or a last minute wrench in the plans. I thought that sounded very logical. Routines help kids form the habits they need to take care of themselves and accomplish great things. But, being able to adapt and go with the flow is also an important skill.
Having an after school routine works for a lot of kids, and it can help them develop self-discipline, good work habits, and healthy TV habits. TV, along with related media, is one of life's addicting pleasures, and it's easy to get caught up watching TV or playing video games and find that hours of life have been sucked away. Helping kids find the balance between enjoying some down time and throwing hours of life out the window really helps them learn an important life lesson about self mastery and time management.
I like to give my kids a chance to create their own after school routine. When the responsibility is on their shoulders, they tend to come up with something that really is effective. Our kids decided that they wanted to have a snack and rest time, and then get right to their homework so they can get it done not have to worry about it. Sounds good to me! So, now that they have made the schedule, it's easy for me to help them stick to it -- on most days.
Do you have any after school challenges with TV time or video games? What has worked in your family?
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