You just got home from a hectic day, and the house feels like a tornado just swept through. Your kids are bouncing off the walls while you’re desperately trying to find your calm in the chaos. Sound familiar? I get it—getting your little ones to switch gears after school can honestly feel like asking a cat to take a bath.
After school can be such a challenging time for all of us. Your kids might be worn out yet still bursting with energy, and it can get overwhelming. I’ve been right there with you, trying to juggle a snack schedule while managing my kids’ emotional meltdowns. The good news? You can implement some simple calming activities after school that help everyone unwind and reset. Trust me, I’m here to share what works based on plenty of trial and error (and a few snacks too).
1. Create a Cozy Calm Down Corner
Picture this: a space filled with pillows, calming colors, and soft lighting. Our calm down corner has become a go-to spot when emotions run high. My kids love putting on their favorite books and just snuggling in for a few minutes. It’s their very own safe space where they can relax and recharge.
How to Set It Up
- Choose a quiet corner in your home.
- Add bean bags or soft pillows.
- Include a bookshelf with their favorite books.
- Add some calming sensory toys.
Sensory Bottles
We love these calming sensory bottles. Filling them with water, glitter, and tiny beads has kept my kids mesmerized for longer than I expected—45 minutes while I sipped my coffee!
Love: Highly engaging | Meh: Glitter gets everywhere!
Check Current Price on Amazon2. Nature Journaling
Nature has a remarkable healing power. After school, we often take a walk to the park and my kids use a journal to draw what they see or write about their day. It’s a great way for them to express feelings while also enjoying the outdoors.
Getting Started
- Grab some notebooks and colored pencils.
- Encourage them to draw or write about their observations.
- Consider nature stickers or stamps as rewards.
3. Mindful Breathing Exercises
Breathe in, breathe out. Sounds simple, right? But it really works! I’ve found that just a few minutes of guided breathing exercises can calm even the wildest post-school energy. We sit together and breathe in slowly through our noses, then out through our mouths; their little bodies begin to relax almost immediately.
Breathing Buddies
We use these fluffy breathing buddies that rise and fall as we breathe. My kids love the visual aid, and it makes this calmer practice fun.
Love: Engaging visuals | Meh: Allergies to stuffed animals!
Check Current Price on Amazon4. Art Time
Creative expression can be such a wonderful way to calm those high-energy moments. We keep art supplies on hand, and it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece—just doodling or coloring can be therapeutic. It’s amazing how a few strokes of color can turn a grumpy mood around!
Tips for Art Time
- Stock up on various colors and materials.
- Set a timer for a short session of focused creativity.
- Showcase their artwork on the fridge for motivation!
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5. Movement Activities
Sometimes, a good run or a little dance party can make all the difference. We often have spontaneous dance-offs or fun relay races in our yard. It’s a quick way to release pent-up energy without any screens involved!
Ideas for Movement Activities
- Dance-offs with favorite songs.
- Outdoor obstacle courses.
- Yoga routines designed for kids.
6. Listening to Calming Music
A playlist of soft, soothing music can work wonders in creating a serene environment. We often play “quiet time” music during the calm down routine, and soon we’re all relaxed! Sometimes, we even turn it into a “listening game,” where we close our eyes and identify different instruments. Totally fun and a little quirky!
Creating Your Playlist
- Choose calming instrumentals or nature sounds.
- Mix in some of their favorite soft tunes.
- Let them help curate the playlist for added ownership.
7. Guided Imagery Activities
Ever take a little trip in your mind? Guided imagery can help soothe racing thoughts. We typically close our eyes and imagine a peaceful place beach or a calm forest, often guided through by a short story I narrate. It’s become one of our favorite ways to unwind together.
Steps to Practice Guided Imagery
- Set a calm environment—dim the lights and find a comfy spot.
- Use fun, descriptive language to paint a picture in their minds.
- Encourage them to share what they saw afterward.
8. Sensory Play
Sensory bins filled with rice, beans, or even water beads work wonders for calming busy bodies. Your kids can dig in, explore textures, and create while essentially giving themselves a calming massage through the touch. We sometimes add little toys based on our theme of the week!
Sensory Activity Kits
These sensory kits have been a massive hit! I can set them up in minutes, and my kids can play independently while I tackle the dinner prep.
Love: Easy to clean | Meh: May need supervision for tiny parts.
Check Current Price on Amazon9. Journaling Thoughts and Feelings
One of the calm activities after school that has really helped my kids is journaling. They can let out all their feelings on paper, and it’s amazing how much this simple act clears their minds. I even joined in sometimes, turning it into a family activity where we all share afterward.
How to Get Started
- Encourage daily reflections on their day.
- Use prompts like “What made you smile today?”
- Let them decorate their journal or use fun stickers.
10. Outdoor Time
Nature therapy is real! We make it a point to spend time outside after school. Whether it’s just running around the yard or exploring a local park, fresh air works miracles. My kids’ giggles melt away stress—like magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are calming activities after school?
Calming activities after school include creative practices, physical movement, and sensory play—all of which help settle your kids’ energy levels and emotions.
How do I get my kids to calm down after school?
Establish a reliable routine that includes calming activities. Create a cozy space, involve your kids in journaling or engaging in gentle play to help them transition smoothly.
When should I start calming routines for my children?
It’s useful to begin calming routines as early as possible; consistency is key. After-school downtime can be invaluable for teaching emotional regulation skills.
Bringing calming activities after school into our routine has made a world of difference for our family. I can see that my kids thrive when they have the tools to express themselves and unwind properly. Remember, a calm home doesn’t have to be a quiet one—it’s about equipping our little ones to handle emotions and energy in a healthy way.
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