Hellobee Boards

This isn't as exciting as a dance party, but DD excels with a "chore chart". Basically I printed clip art with 1-3 word descriptors, laminated them, stuck a magnet on the back and put an automotive drip pan (cookie sheet would work too) on the wall with Command strips, stuck the chores to that. She does so well with it because she is independent and likes to emulate what adults do. They could each have some of the same chores (empty backpack, put shoes away, read until the timer ends) and alternating chores (set the table, make the bed).

It's kind of out there because you're giving tired kids work to do, but the fact it gives them independence and purpose might keep them out of each other's hair.

Good Lord! I could have written this. We have 3,5,and a 7 year old boys and it is utter chaos and a complete s#!t show when we walk in the door. We have tried Alexa dance parties with minimal success! I have no advice but i’m so right there with you! #commiseration

My girls know that I don’t want to listen to their fighting after work. I know they’re tired (but I am too). So if they start bickering incessantly they have to each go to their room for “quiet time” where they play independently with their toys for 15-20 minutes That seems to reset the clock and then they’re good to go.

Or - I send them outside to play. Space and fresh air works wonders.

Sometimes if they aren’t bickering by the time we get home they can watch a show while I start dinner.

But ugh. It’s a draining battle.

So this isn't from experience with my kids...but I remember as a young kid myself getting home from long days like that (think 6:30am - 6:30pm). My mom always had a basket of snacks in the car that my brother and I could pick from on our drive home from our after school care. Once we got inside, we also went immediately upstairs to set out our pajamas for that night, and clothes for the next day. As a kid, I just thought my mom wanted us to be prepared, but she said later it was to give her a couple minutes of peace (haha, I totally get it now!) downstairs, and give us a sense of purpose right away at home. Evidently idle hands were a problem in our house! She also said often one of us would end up getting distracted and playing more independently upstairs as an added perk.

I relate to this post so hard! I think it is common problem. I have a 5 yo who just started K and before/after care and DS who is in daycare. They too have long days but so do I. I commute 1 hr each way so by the time I pick them up I have been in traffic for 1+ hr.

We are all ready to melt down.

I usually pick them up between 5-515

a few things that work for us:
-a quick stop at the play ground before we even get home. yes this kills me sometimes but if we're not running totally late and it's nice out it really helps all of us. I generally only let them play for 10-15 mins then we're headed home
-doing something outside at home before we go in.. ie: watering our plants, pulling in the trash bin, letting them be out for a few mins before they come in..
-snacks/drink immediately, 3/5 nights one of my kids is hangry or dying for a drink. I carry snacks in my purse so sometimes that will help, if not then I get them nice cold drinks right away when we get inside.
-finally, the dreaded screen time. I put on a show so they can relax while I get dinner ready.... sorry, not sorry.

Have you seen this from yesterday’s Links Roundup? It might be helpful?https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/school-age/after-school-restraint-collapse-is-a-real-thing-heres-how-to-deal-with-it/?fbclid=IwAR1PUSyGf_NDkJ6bZWkJX5IekofQwVmBHuCtpfEeCk00y0XsjqytGn-YGMY