What To Do With The Kids After The Bell Rings
While we all want to be there when the kids get out of school, it is not an option for many parents. The choices that are available today can be vast and confusing. Parents wanting to make sure that their children are involved in healthy after school activities are left with much to consider.
After School Program or Child Care?
There are some that are fortunate enough to have family nearby that are able to care for children after school. Unfortunately, many families are spread out across the country now because of jobs and educational opportunities. Most people do not have a grandparent or sibling close enough to be of help. This means that the choices are usually between various after school programs or other child care. This is never an easy decision to make for any parent.
Healthy After School Care
After school care is offered by many schools. Being the most convenient option available for many parents, few think to investigate whether or not it is truly a healthy after school activity. These programs can vary greatly from one place to another. In some schools, there is designated quiet time for students to complete their homework. After school tutoring is commonly made available for students that need it. There are programs that include healthy snacks such as apple slices, fresh vegetables, or cheese with crackers. Healthy amounts of exercise and physical activity also help these after school care programs to provide a safe and healthy place to be until a parent or guardian is available to pick up.
Healthy after school activities are not only available in schools. Many community organizations offer after school care programs that include healthy alternatives to sitting in front of the television. Some of these can be specialized or specific courses. Often, these types of after school activities are focused on an athletic program or other special interest such as writing or chess. Make sure these programs offer transportation to get a child from school to the alternate location to participate in the after care.
Unhealthy After School Care
Alternatively, there are some programs that do not live up to expectations. They are little more than a glorified babysitting service. These provide little structure and no real activities for the kids. In some cases, these programs can even lead to trouble as kids are left idle with little to no guidance. These child care programs are anything but healthy, though sometimes they are offered in schools. As a parent, discerning the healthy after school programs from the "babysitting" services can be tricky. It requires a bit of investigation and homework, but in the long run, it will be far better for the child if placed in an appropriate after care program.
