Hate My Afternoons :(

[Play Care]

A few years ago I started providing school aged care on a limited basis. One of my issues with SA care is that it feels as though the day is starting all over again once that bus pulls up. And even though they are generally well behaved, they just are so big and loud. It seems that every day from 3-4:30 are just so crazy. I've tried many ways to make it less stressful, but I dread this time of day.
For those who have SA kids, what do you do to make it easier?
I am letting two kids go after the school year but that still leaves me until June...

[Annalee]

I am right there with ya on the afternoons. I only have my own 10 and 12 year old now after school. There happiness means much more than the stress I felt when the school-agers got off the bus. I even started closing my child care program at 4:30 a few years back. Been in Family Child Care for 21 years now and after ten of those, I decided it was time to have guidelines for the benefit of myself/family.

[Lucy]

I agree on the fact that it seems like the day is starting over when they get back from school. And yes, they are big and loud. The older I get, the less I can take noise. I've done this going on 20 years, and in one way, it's harder for me to take their loudness, but on the other hand, been there done that for so long, that I'm used to just tolerating it and praying for the clock to move faster!

What helps me is that all my kids come young and stay long. I had a girl from birth to 12, a current boy from birth to now 10, a current girl from birth to now 9, a current girl from birth to now 5, and then a current girl from 2 to now 5. So I "know" them as if they were my own. I have, in the past, taken SA'ers when they were already IN school. It is DEFINITELY harder. It's weird, they're no louder or more rambunctious than the other kids, but I didn't "raise" them, so it just seems different somehow. Kinda like friends' kids that you're not sure how to control.

As far as advice on what to do to make it easier, I can't be of much help, but just have board games, harder puzzles, a few decks of playing cards, and a large table space. Maybe some fun crafts every once in awhile. Beading, yarn braiding, a loom, kits from Joanne's fabrics, stuff like that. It doesn't have to be expensive. Also, they should be encouraged to start on their homework when they first get there - after having a snack. So with snack and homework, that should burn about 45 minutes. Good luck!!

[Blackcat31]

Outdoor time immediately after getting off the bus?

A pre-planned group activity that they can all do at once?

Movie time? Homework time?

Maybe make a rule that they HAVE to participate in one of those (or a similar) option.....

When I had SA'ers getting off the bus, I didn't allow them to play with any of the toy sets or activities that I had for my regular preschoolers and toddlers.

Our day was pretty much over by the time school let out so all the toys with pieces and parts were picked up and put away by 3:00-3:30. The ONLY options were coloring and large group play such a blocks or outside time.

Kept the commotion to a minimum.

HTH

[Play Care]

My schedule for them goes like this

Wash hands and snack
Outdoor time (mandatory, no "I don't feel like it" allowed)
Homework/ study time/ quiet table activity such as reading, drawing, etc.

This usually takes us to pick up. I don't do crafts with SA as they do all that in school and time wise we are running short already. I don't know if it's so much our schedule, or just me...

[Blackcat31]

My schedule for them goes like this

Wash hands and snack
Outdoor time (mandatory, no "I don't feel like it" allowed)
Homework/ study time/ quiet table activity such as reading, drawing, etc.

This usually takes us to pick up. I don't do crafts with SA as they do all that in school and time wise we are running short already. I don't know if it's so much our schedule, or just me...

I totally understand. I stopped taking SA'ers when I figured out it WAS me.

I just couldn't do it anymore.

I know you said you have them until June, but have you thought about just throwing in the towel now and telling the parents that after Christmas you aren't going to take them anymore? I am sure that notice now for the new year is plenty of time for them to make alternate arrangements....kwim?

June is a looooong way off....