Wondering how to care for the kids you have to babysit in the afternoon? We share this routine with you, to help you to build an organization and avoid lack of time or boredom.
4:45 Back home
When the school is over, at 4:30 pm, the child is usually still nervous due to their day in class. This is a great opportunity to talk, get to know their social circle, and activities they like or dislike.
Finally at home, it’s time to freshen up !
- Take off coat, jacket and dirty clothes
- Wash hands
- Rinse face if needed.
Done with sticky hands, dirt on cheeks and twigs in hair.
First, you will have to guide the kids through each step, but they will become more autonomous.
5:00 Snack
Sharing a healthy snack is crucial, but avoiding sugar can be challenging once children have developed a taste for it.
If the family doesn’t have anything planned, a good snack recipe fits into three basic elements.
- 1 milk product, dairy or not, like yogurt or cheese.
- 1 fresh fruit, full or juiced
- 1 cereal product, like bread or biscuits.
5:30 Homework and activities
Homework
If they have homework, you have to make the most of the energy boost given by snacks. You should guide and explain, but your first goal is to stay on track.
During primary school, homework shouldn’t last more than 30 to 40 minutes. If the child encounters difficulties, it's advisable to warn their parents.
Activities
If needed, you can find activities ideas on our blog and our monthly pedagogy, or come up with your own. The most important thing is for everyone to have fun !
6:20 Tidy up toys and stuffs
For you as much as for the parents, teaching kids to tidy up their stuff is primordial. More than saving your time, they will learn to organize their space and to be autonomous.
The best way to transform tidiness into a good moment is to turn it into a game. Why not explore animals, colors or shapes ? You can also have a friendly competition to see who can tidy up the fastest.
6:30 Dinner
The evening meal is a crucial stage for learning tastes and satiety. It is the best way to discover or recognize colors and flavors for youngests, products and dishes for oldests.
If kids express a dislike for certain food, ask them about it. It will help them to understand their individual preferences, express their thoughts and develop trust in you.
7:00 Bath
Shower or bath
Shower or bath : It’s important to ask kids if they want or need help. It's a great way to learn consent, and autonomy in hygiene. It’s also a good way to study the name of bodyparts.
Toothbrushing
Here again, learn the name of teeth and other parts of the mouth. It could become quite useful in case of pain.
Parents will now just have to continue until bedtime. You can calm kids by waiting for them.
By following this routine, make every of your babysitting a great moment while staying organized!
