Plan an after-school routine for your kids

Experts suggest that parents structure a daily schedule at home that includes time for reading and play

- Jane Ng

It has been a few weeks since school started, and after the initial adjustment period, parents may be wondering if they need a set routine for their child after school.

While it is not possible to have a standard timetable since children may have different care arrangements after school, experts suggest some non-negotiables that parents can schedule into an after-school routine, including reading and playtime.

Madam Nur Hidayah Jamari, centre head of MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale, says parents play a crucial role in creating a nurturing home environment that fosters the development of essential habits and social emotional skills for the child.

"By providing opportunities for children to learn, practise and grow, you can help set a strong foundation for your child's successful transition to Primary 1," she says.

IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE A FIXED ROUTINE FOR HOMEWORK AFTER SCHOOL?

Educators highly recommend having a routine even if there may not be daily homework in the lower primary years, as it would help to build good learning dispositions in the long run.

Madam Hidayah says it is important to involve the child in planning a timetable.

It could be a daily or weekly timetable, with visuals to help a child understand what each day or week might look like.

"Practise reading it together to build their comfort with the schedule," she adds.

Ms Jacinth Liew, a former MOE teacher turned parenting coach at Our Little Play Nest, who conducts courses and workshops for parents, says routines provide predictability for children and reduce anxiety.

"When children know what is going to happen next, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainties of their day, and it helps to improve cooperation," says Ms Liew. She has two children, Daryl Chua, 10 and Charlotte Chua, eight.