February 08, 2007
Creating a home-based after school program
Hello Reader,
I know it has been awhile since my last post but if you're a single parent, you completely understand how it takes so much time raising children; no matter what age they are.
My daughter is turning 19 in April and my son is 17 last August. Guess what? It just doesn't end because now there is college to work up and through for both!
For me, since they are so close in age, only 16 months apart, everything happens altogether within a year of each other. What I mean is my daughter just graduated last June and now my son graduates this June.
It has always been a constant stream of activities or obligations that never stop. See, if you're smart enough or lucky enough you'll have your children at least two years apart. That way you don't have to have it all one right after each other.
Well, anyway while we're on the subject of two children close in age, lets talk about what kind of activities you can do with your kids, especially after school, that offers them a learning experience too.
So, your son's or daughter's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun. What should you do?
First realize that after school activities needn't be taught in a school-like environment by professional teachers in a structured and timely manner.
There is a lot YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social development. Don't be too concerned about formal programs and the fact is that many of our children are already over-scheduled with homework alone.
Today children have more and more advanced homework than I ever had as a child. Also if you don't have computers and calculators that weren't even invented when I was growing up today for your kid, you are at a disadvantage. I digress . . .
Obviously, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school, and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or writing work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes but these days can take up to two or two and a half hours to accomplish.
I always gave time for my young children to de-stress from school a little bit by doing activities with them.
In the course of their daily work, your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. In that case, you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that will help her and encourage her to try it out.
In the age of the Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to use the net to find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the child to do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no formal program does.
If you are concerned about the lack of social life, enroll him or her in a club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre, if your child is interested. It is not necessary for your child to make friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is another interesting option. If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents, you may well start your own after-school program.
If you're not ready or willing to organized a group activity, look to your community. Many or most communities offer many programs children love getting involved in or programs emphasizing social problems.
Your child can get their first real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences. Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons they learn become invaluable to them and something they can carry into adult life too.
If physical activity or the lack of it is of major concern, then enroll your child for some dancing classes or hiking activities. If organized sports are impossible to get, try enrolling them in a gym. They may find friends there and may take to the treadmill, lifting weights or wall climbing. It's safer than climbing a tree, isn't it?
Remember too that your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in front of you really and sometimes doing things around the house is great. That's what I did for my kids; give them a routine of chores to do which they still do, except a bit better.
Roping in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a refreshing extracurricular experience. Moreover, in my experience it improves family ties too.
I hope this article helps you in designing your own after school activities that doesn't require tons of cash or time that most single parents don't have the luxury of having. See you on the next post.
To learn more about being a great single parent, go to my website and read about my book, by clicking here at the Super Single Dad; Artfully Raising Children.
Jorge
I know it has been awhile since my last post but if you're a single parent, you completely understand how it takes so much time raising children; no matter what age they are.
My daughter is turning 19 in April and my son is 17 last August. Guess what? It just doesn't end because now there is college to work up and through for both!
For me, since they are so close in age, only 16 months apart, everything happens altogether within a year of each other. What I mean is my daughter just graduated last June and now my son graduates this June.
It has always been a constant stream of activities or obligations that never stop. See, if you're smart enough or lucky enough you'll have your children at least two years apart. That way you don't have to have it all one right after each other.
Well, anyway while we're on the subject of two children close in age, lets talk about what kind of activities you can do with your kids, especially after school, that offers them a learning experience too.
So, your son's or daughter's school does not offer any extracurricular activities. You are worried of depriving your child of all that extra knowledge and fun. What should you do?
First realize that after school activities needn't be taught in a school-like environment by professional teachers in a structured and timely manner.
There is a lot YOU can do to support your child's academic, physical and social development. Don't be too concerned about formal programs and the fact is that many of our children are already over-scheduled with homework alone.
Today children have more and more advanced homework than I ever had as a child. Also if you don't have computers and calculators that weren't even invented when I was growing up today for your kid, you are at a disadvantage. I digress . . .
Obviously, school is top priority for children. They need to go to school, and finish their homework. They should then do their daily reading or writing work etc. This may take about 30-60 minutes but these days can take up to two or two and a half hours to accomplish.
I always gave time for my young children to de-stress from school a little bit by doing activities with them.
In the course of their daily work, your child may develop certain academic preferences and interests. In that case, you can try and find a program in a college or a community center that will help her and encourage her to try it out.
In the age of the Internet, information is really not a rarity. Allow him to use the net to find more information about thing that he likes. Encouraging the child to do independent research to gain in-depth knowledge is something that no formal program does.
If you are concerned about the lack of social life, enroll him or her in a club - a reading club maybe. Visit public libraries or even the theatre, if your child is interested. It is not necessary for your child to make friends with children his own age. A parent-child book club is another interesting option. If you can round up a number of like-minded children and their parents, you may well start your own after-school program.
If you're not ready or willing to organized a group activity, look to your community. Many or most communities offer many programs children love getting involved in or programs emphasizing social problems.
Your child can get their first real taste of suffering, charity and community help from such experiences. Volunteering for clean-up sessions, adult education programs etc could be a real eye-opener for your child. The lessons they learn become invaluable to them and something they can carry into adult life too.
If physical activity or the lack of it is of major concern, then enroll your child for some dancing classes or hiking activities. If organized sports are impossible to get, try enrolling them in a gym. They may find friends there and may take to the treadmill, lifting weights or wall climbing. It's safer than climbing a tree, isn't it?
Remember too that your child does not necessarily have to be a part of an organized group to benefit from after-school activities. There are various avenues open in front of you really and sometimes doing things around the house is great. That's what I did for my kids; give them a routine of chores to do which they still do, except a bit better.
Roping in the enthusiasm of your children in daily household activities like cooking, cleaning etc can also provide them with a refreshing extracurricular experience. Moreover, in my experience it improves family ties too.
I hope this article helps you in designing your own after school activities that doesn't require tons of cash or time that most single parents don't have the luxury of having. See you on the next post.
To learn more about being a great single parent, go to my website and read about my book, by clicking here at the Super Single Dad; Artfully Raising Children.
Jorge
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