Homework, extra curricular activities, dinner, family time, baths, stories, bedtime. Once your child gets home from school it is a whirlwind. How is it possible for it all to be done? Especially if you have more than one child?  We don't have a magic solution. Some days, at our houses, our children eat less than healthy dinners and skip bath times. Sometimes we send an email to the teacher and let them know why homework didn't get done. Other days, we are having a glass of wine while we read Goodnight Moon for the 100th time. However, I have found a solution that I like. I have created a schedule for my children which has helped them when they get home from school.  I write it on a white board which makes it easy to add or take away things as I need to.  I start with putting my children's initials at the top of the white board and the rest looks something like this: H                                   M                                     D

1. Unpack you book-bag
2. Put your shoes and socks away
3. Put your lunchbox in the sink
4. Do your homework
5. Pack your lunch
6. Lay out your clothes

Each child places a check next to the sentence under their initial after they finish . They have tried to say they've completed something when they didn't, so I always make sure to go back through and check behind them. :-) When my children know what to expect, they are happier. They don't have to guess what my expectations are and I'm consistent on what needs to happen. This structure is also teaching independence  in my children which makes them feel good. Some days,  I am able to  allow my children to choose the order they complete their chores. This enables them to have some control over their schedule which helps them gain ownership. Other days, it may be important to do them in a certain  order (mainly because of an extra curricular activity) so I add a note at the top that says, "please do them in this order".   I also make sure I add the activities  each kid has that evening. This has helped my kids know how much time they can take on each task which is teaching time management. Here is a sample sheet that you can download and tweak for your family: schedule Good luck with your after school routine!  We would love to hear what works for you too! Please drop us a note at confidentsolutions7@gmailcom. With Appreciation, Wendy