Tips That Take the Chaos Out of After-School Activities
(NewsUSA) - Back-to-School means more than just backpacks, school buses and homework; it also means the beginning of after- school activities. Between soccer practice, piano lessons, art class and club meetings, after-school schedules may have parents’ heads spinning. With a full after-school calendar, parents can find themselves feeling like time-crunched chauffeurs driving kids from one event to the next.
When it comes to after-school activities, a little preparation can go a long way. In order to help make parents’ lives easier, the makers of Smucker’s® Uncrustables® sandwiches have created some tips to help with Back-to-After School:
* Carpool -; Other parents are going in your direction. Simplify things by taking turns bringing the kids to practice. It will give you and the other parents a few nights off and form friendships between the participating families, just make sure the children know who is picking them up.
* Keep a Detailed Calendar -; Write down every practice, game and meeting -; include start and finish times plus the location. Plan your routine in advance, and keep the calendar with you. Keep important phone numbers on the calendar as well -; everyone from the coach, babysitter, other carpool parents and the doctor. Go to www.uncrustables.com for a free calendar you can download.
* Have Easy Snacks on Hand -; After a long day at school, children will need an afternoon snack to keep up their energy for their after-school activities. Whether it’s a simple snack for one child or the whole team, Smucker’s Uncrustables sandwiches are convenient and portable for wherever your schedule takes you, and they have a great homemade taste. They are available in Grape PB&J, Strawberry PB&J, Grilled Cheese, PB & Honey on Wheat and Peanut Butter.
* Label Everything -;Write your child’s name in permanent marker on everything, including shoes, bags and uniforms. This will help to save you time sifting through soccer balls and water bottles to make sure you bring home the right one.
* Don’t Over-Schedule -; Make sure your child isn’t doing too much. Younger children can’t handle as many activities as older children. Talk with your child and see how they feel.
With these simple tips, after- school will be much less stressful and more fun for both parents and children.
What do you do to get through your after school activities? The makers of Uncrustables sandwiches invite you to share your own ideas for making Back-to-After-School easier. For a limited time, visit www.uncrustables.com to share your tip, to receive a free Smucker’s Uncrustables prize.
