4 Simple Steps for a Stress-Free After-School Routine

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Plus example after-school routines for kids of all ages
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Planning out and following an after-school routine can help you and your family reduce stress, increase structure, and create a happier and more productive household. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through quick and simple steps to create a schedule and stick to it. Our goal? Your kids will know exactly what they need to do between school and bedtime, and you’ll be able to focus on your own tasks without having to remind them of theirs. Get started today and have your new routine ready to go by tomorrow!

Making an After-School Routine for Kids

Write out a schedule with all the activities your child needs or wants to do after school, like extracurriculars, unpacking their bag, snack, homework, chores, exercise, dinner, and relaxation time. Be patient and flexible as you start out with the routine, and make any adjustments to fit your kids’ needs.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Create & Follow an After-School Routine

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  1. In order to plan your routine effectively, first take time to write down all of the different things that should be included in your after-school routine. Don’t worry yet about timing, order, or other practical factors. Instead, just make a checklist of the various things that may be included in your kids’ after-school schedule. Here’s an example of the main items that we suggest including in your afternoon routine: [1]
    • ロ After-school organized activities
    • ロ Snack
    • ロ Homework
    • ロ Additional learning
    • ロ Chores
    • ロ Outdoor play or exercise
    • ロ Screen time
    • ロ Shower or bath
    • ロ Dinner
    • ロ Packing school bag for the next day
  2. Once you’ve identified the main components of your after-school routine, it’s time to organize them into a realistic daily schedule. Start by figuring out exactly how many hours you have to plan for between school and bedtime—if your child leaves school at 3 pm and has to be in bed at 9 pm, for instance, they have 6 hours to complete their routine. Break up these hours into small chunks (i.e., 30-minute periods) and write them onto a handwritten or digital timetable , then follow the recommended steps below to complete your schedule: [2]
    • Write in the more inflexible items , like your regular dinner time, bathtime, and weekly after-school commitments (i.e., soccer practice or music lessons). If your kids have different organized activities on different days of the week, make a separate schedule for each day.
    • Create an “as soon as you get in the door” routine, or what you want your child to do within the first 5-10 minutes of getting home. This time often includes putting backpacks and school materials in a designated spot and having a healthy after-school snack .
    • Include some sort of physical activity if your child hasn’t already attended a sports practice or other type of exercise. Physical activity could be anything from going for a walk, kicking a ball around, or even just having extended playtime in the house. [3]
    • Add some time for chores or tidying. Whatever your kids’ daily chores are, make sure you give them sufficient time to do them after school. If they need to clean up their room, do their laundry, or organize their backpack, these are all activities that fall into this category.
    • Schedule a regular time for homework , which is often best done straight after dinner. By this time, kids will have had a nice break between school and homework, but they’ll also have time to relax again before bed. [4]
    • Give your child time to play, relax, or have some screen time. Before bed, make sure your kid has a chance to really relax after their playtime, chores, and homework. They may spend this time reading, chatting with the family, or watching a movie.
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  3. Now that you have an impeccably written schedule for your after-school routine, it’s just as important to follow it to the best of your ability. One way to make the routine easier for you is to prepare ahead of time for your child’s arrival from school—at least as much as possible. Make sure that they have a designated space for their school papers and backpacks, have their snack ready to go in the fridge, and bring anything they need along in the car for school pick-up. [5]
    • For instance, you might decide that your routine works best if your kids eat their snacks or do their homework on the car ride home—especially if you live a long way from their school. In this case, come prepared with snacks, clipboards, pencils, and whatever else you might need to make your PM routine go smoothly.
  4. One of the keys to having a successful routine is not trying to fit too much into it. A good routine structures your family’s time in order to help take pressure off and give everyone some needed structure, not one that demands a lot and actually increases the pressure. Be realistic when you are drawing up and following your routine. [6]
    • As you continue to work on your routine, be flexible and willing to make changes—especially when it comes to the needs of your kids. Make adjustments as needed, while still finding a way to be consistent.
    • Even once you’ve found a daily schedule that works for you and your family, things will come up to interfere with it—like birthday dinners, after-school playdates, medical appointments, new extracurricular activities, etc.
    • Be open to tweaking your daily routine for these events as long as it remains consistent over time and continues to fulfill your child’s needs.
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Section 2 of 5:

4 Sample After-School Routines for Kids & Teens

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  1. Preschoolers and kindergarteners need arguably the most structure and guidance out of any age group, and they’ll also need the most supervision in order to complete the routine! For these littlest kiddos, you may be able to cut things like “screen time” or “chores” from your routine, depending on your family habits. Here’s a loose example of what an after-school routine for ages 4-6 may look like: [7]
    • ロ Put backpack away
    • ロ Take lunch containers out of bag and place them next to the sink
    • ロ Eat a healthy snack
    • ロ Playtime
    • ロ Pick up toys and tidy room
    • ロ Help set the table
    • ロ Dinner
    • ロ Bathtime
    • ロ Prepare lunch and backpack for the next day
    • ロ Bed
    EXPERT TIP

    Desiree Panlilio

    Teen Life Coach
    Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University.
    Desiree Panlilio
    Teen Life Coach

    Take each thing you have to do and give it a time allotment. Creating a routine is really about getting rid of distractions and creating a time management plan in order to create that after-school routine. It takes time up front, but it pays off huge in the long run.

  2. Elementary schoolers encompass a wide range of ages and executive functioning skills, so you’ll want to adapt to your kid’s specific needs and developmental level. However, the example checklist below can give you a good jumping-off point to create the perfect after-school routine for your elementary schooler: [8]
    • ロ Put backpack away
    • ロ Wash lunch containers or place next to sink
    • ロ Eat a healthy snack
    • ロ Complete homework
    • ロ Playtime
    • ロ Pick up toys and tidy room
    • ロ Help set the table
    • ロ Dinner
    • ロ Bathtime or shower
    • ロ Prepare lunch and backpack for the next day
    • ロ Bed
  3. Middle schoolers are more self-sufficient than elementary-aged kids, but they’ll still need structure and guidance to follow their after-school routine. You may also want to be more thoughtful about incorporating exercise time, additional chore and homework time, and time for them to socialize with their friends in person or online. Here’s just one sample after-school routine for middle schoolers: [9]
    • ロ Put backpack away
    • ロ Wash lunch containers
    • ロ Eat a healthy snack
    • ロ Complete homework
    • ロ Physical activity
    • ロ Chores
    • ロ Help set the table
    • ロ Dinner
    • ロ Shower
    • ロ Relaxation and/or screen time
    • ロ Prepare lunch and backpack for the next day
    • ロ Bed
  4. Most high schoolers can create their own after-school routine on their own, but they may have a tougher time sticking to it. “Routines come with time management,” explains teen life coach Desiree Panlilio. So, your teen can “say that they’re creating this routine…but it doesn’t really work for a teen unless you timeline it out.” [10] Following Panlilio’s advice, work with your teenager to schedule out every hour of their after-school schedule, using this sample routine as a guide:
    • ロ Extracurricular activity / Part-time job
    • ロ Put backpack away
    • ロ Eat a healthy snack
    • ロ Complete homework and studying
    • ロ Physical activity
    • ロ Chores
    • ロ Help set the table
    • ロ Dinner
    • ロ Shower
    • ロ Relaxation and/or screen time
    • ロ Prepare lunch and backpack for the next day
    • ロ Bed
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Create & Follow a Before-School Routine

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  1. Just like with an after-school routine, it’s crucial to create a checklist and schedule of all the important things that need to get done before school . Mornings tend to be a little more harried, however, so it’s recommended to make a written or visual morning checklist that your kids have access to so that they can mentally check off the list as they proceed through their routine. Here’s an example checklist for a standard morning routine , which you can accompany with images if you have younger kids: [11]
    • ロ Get dressed
    • ロ Eat breakfast
    • ロ Brush teeth
    • ロ Wash face
    • ロ Comb hair
    • ロ Put on shoes and coat
    • ロ Study time (best for older kids)
    • ロ Chores (e.g., loading dishwasher, making bed—best for older kids)
    • ロ Get backpack and lunch box
    • ロ Get in the car/Start heading to school
  2. Time in the morning before school can fly by like that , so you’re setting yourself (and your kids!) up for a less stressful start to the day by prepping the night before. Make sure everyone’s bags and backpacks are packed the evening before, and organize any sports gear or extracurricular supplies. Have lunches ready in the fridge to grab and go, and ask your kids to lay out their clothing for the next day before going to bed. [12]
  3. Now, we know this one is easier said than done—some kids are up and ready to go long before you’re prepared to turn off your snooze button! That being said, being up before the kiddos can make a huge difference in your before-school routine. Start by setting your alarm for 15-30 minutes before your kids typically get up, then make adjustments from there based on how much you’re able to get done in that extra time.
    • If you’re already showered, dressed, and packed for the day by the time any children wake up, you’ll not only have more time to help out the kids, but you also may be able to squeeze in some you-time by listening to podcast, journaling , doing a 15-minute stretching routine, or even just sitting silently with a cup of coffee.
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Section 4 of 5:

Why are before- and after-school routines important?

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  1. Following a routine can help kids learn self-discipline and time management skills, as well as how to be responsible for their own tasks and habits. Ideally, having a routine from a young age will help kids grow into more responsible and self-sufficient adults. [13]
    • As an added benefit, the structure of a routine can actually help a child feel more secure and stable, which improves their overall emotional well-being. Children thrive on structure and predictability—it helps them manage their emotions, improve their executive functioning, and feel safe in their homes.
Section 5 of 5:

Frequently Asked Questions About After School Routines

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  1. Yes, kids should generally do chores after school as long as those chores are appropriate for their age and developmental level. Doing chores starting at a young age can help kids build their self-esteem, improve their responsibility, learn important life skills, and be better prepared for adversity and delayed gratification. [14]
  2. Yes, it’s considered beneficial to kids to give them some alone time after school. Just like adults, children need time to decompress, recharge, and develop self-reliance—even if they don’t know that they need those things! However, keep in mind your child’s age and maturity level when designing their alone time. Younger children may need more structured activities, for instance, while older kids can typically decide for themselves how they’d like to spend their alone time. [15]
  3. Yes, it’s a good idea to give your child a social outlet by scheduling occasional playdates after school. Kids need playdates in order to learn how to socialize, nurture friendships, and develop their social skills outside of a classroom setting. It also helps kids to get some necessary playtime into their schedule. [16]
    • However, it’s still important to consider your kid’s overall schedule before planning a playdate. Avoid overbooking your child or prioritizing frequent playdates over other needs like homework and family time.
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  • Question
    What should I do after school day?
    Desiree Panlilio
    Teen Life Coach
    Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University.
    Desiree Panlilio
    Teen Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Take some to relax and decompress when you get home! Do an activity that you really enjoy for about 30 minutes, like scrolling through social media, listening to music, or going for a run.
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  • Question
    How do kids make an after school schedule?
    Desiree Panlilio
    Teen Life Coach
    Desiree Panlilio is a Teen Life Coach and the Owner of Encouraging Teens, LLC. With over three years of experience, she specializes in helping teens and young adults define roles, set goals, develop healthy academic and personal habits, grow in leadership potential, and create their life paths. Desiree holds a BSN in Nursing from The University of Victoria and an MA in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Life Coaching from Liberty University.
    Desiree Panlilio
    Teen Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Create realistic timetables for everything you do after school. Estimate how much time you'll need to do homework, and factor in any time you take to relax and decompress. Set aside enough time for dinner, too.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      • The recommended activities, scheduling, and routines given in this article are just that—recommendations. Every kid is different, and they all have different needs. Make sure to stay attuned to what best fits your child’s needs and swap out any parts of the routines that aren’t working for them. Some kids may need more active or social time after school, for instance, while others may benefit from some quiet time to recharge.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://avirtuouswoman.org/how-to-get-kids-back-on-a-school-schedule/
      2. ↑ https://www.peakacademics.org/blog/2023/structuring-a-balanced-after-school-routine
      3. ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/back-to-school/
      4. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx
      5. ↑ https://avirtuouswoman.org/how-to-get-kids-back-on-a-school-schedule/
      6. ↑ https://www.childrensmn.org/blog/tips-getting-kids-back-routine-school/
      7. ↑ https://thrive.psu.edu/blog/establishing-an-after-school-routine/
      8. ↑ https://thrive.psu.edu/blog/establishing-an-after-school-routine/
      9. ↑ https://www.peakacademics.org/blog/2023/structuring-a-balanced-after-school-routine
      1. ↑ Desiree Panlilio. Teen Life Coach. Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/practice-super-morning-and-bedtime-routines
      3. ↑ https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/back-to-school/
      4. ↑ https://www.pbs.org/parents/routines
      5. ↑ https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Chores_and_Children-125.aspx
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-gender-ourselves/201208/kids-need-time-themselves
      7. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9747075/

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