3 Quick Tips To Make After School Errands With Kids Easier
Am I the only mom who feels like the afternoons between school and dinner time are just absolutely insane?! I feel like as soon as #thebigone hops off the bus after school, we’ve got to ‘go go go’ straight through the next few hours. There’s scouting, sports, playdates, picking up #thelittleone from daycare… It seems to be never ending! #thebigone typically gets very annoyed when he’s being dragged around town. Thanks to some recent changes I’ve made, after school errands have started to get a bit easier. I’ve put together a list of the 3 quick, simple tips that have helped to make my boys more agreeable on the go. The after school run-around is exhausting enough-no one wants whining kids on top of it all! Read on for those tips, and to see the tasty snack you can almost always find in our glove compartment!
KEEP A KID’S CALENDAR
I feel lost without my planner, so I can just imagine how #thebigone feels when he’s not sure of the plan for the day. This school year, we decided to get him his own calendar. We can help him fill it out with events like library day, Boy Scout meetings, or time with his dad. He crosses off each day as it passes, so he can keep track of where he is in the month. With time, I’ll be able to do less cuing and reminding about what’s coming up. Instead I can simply encourage him to check his calendar. The calendar helps give him some independence in terms of preparing what he needs for each activity. If soccer is coming up on Saturday morning, #thebigone knows to gather his cleats and shin guards Friday evening.
PACK ENTERTAINMENT
I find that the ‘boring’ chores that have to get done go smoother when the kids have entertainment with them. We keep a small selection of early chapter books in the car so that #thebigone can grab one to read on a trip across town. If I know we’ll be out and about for a long time, I may consider bringing his tablet with us, although we don’t rely heavily on screen time. In addition to books, I usually also have a small notebook, pens, and some crayons or colored pencils in a bag. #thebigone loves to play hangman or tic tac toe while he waits places, so it’s a great way to keep him engaged and happy. Activity books and puzzle books are also great to have when you’re out and about.
DON’T FORGET THE SNACKS
Let’s face it. No one is terribly pleasant when they’re feeling ‘hangry’, kids or adults. #thebigone is no exception. I try to keep a few packs of non-perishable snacks either in my bag or the glove compartment of the car. They’re easy to grab, and simple to serve. One of the most requested snacks from my kiddos is TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks. I try to always keep at least a few in the car for them. TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks come in both vanilla and chocolate, which is perfect because my boys like having a bit of variety in their snacks. The TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks are made with real ingredients, like eggs and milk. They’re free of artificial flavors or colors, so I don’t have to worry about my kids eating them. They’re available at Wal-Mart in the cookie and cracker aisle. That makes it super convenient to pick more up for a reasonable price any time we need them. Best of all, TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks taste great so I know my kiddos will snack happily. (And my boys can be pretty darn picky!)
Connect With TEDDY SOFT BAKED Filled Snacks:
Get Your Own After School Goodies!
I-C will randomly select 14 winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes.
Nabisco Snacktime Sweepstakes
Do You Have Any Tips To Share For Busy Afternoons On The Go? I’d Love To Hear About Them In The Comments Below!
jhilmil
Teddy soft bakes really seems to be a ice munch for kids while travelling or when out. My kid loves those vanilla flavours. Shall check on them.
Kate
Hope you guys enjoy them as much as we have!
Times With Kai
I’m from the Philippines so I don’t think that product is available here. Still, that’s one adorable soft cake!! <3 <3
Kate
Even if the product is not available, you can still use the suggestions I listed while you’re out and about with your kiddos! Thanks for reading, Kai!
milesandellie
These are some really great tips! We aren’t quite at the afterschool age yet. but these tips are definitely applicable to any errand running!
Kate
Dragging kids around is a challenge some days, regardless of age!
travelparent
Teddy Grahams are pretty darn delicious!
Kate
I have’t had the grahams, so I’ll take your word on it. The filled soft-bake teddy snacks are definitely delicious though!
dawnwairimu
I love it! Thanks for another interesting and informative read! 🙂
Kate
Thanks so much for checking out the post, Dawn!
Louann Kristy
Those are some great tips. I actually got those Teddy softbake as a sample the other day after I purchased a few things on Zulily! Oh my goodness ! Aren’t they good !
Kate
They are seriously delicious… I may have eaten just as many of them as my kids did! Hahaha.
Nathan Reid
Awwww. I love grahams! They are my family favorite dessert. And these tips are really delicious. Yummy!
Kate
Thanks very much, Nathan! They are such a tasty snack!
prernagargagarwal
I loved the idea of keeping a calendar for the kids. That way it is easier to track what activities and things they have on their schedule. 🙂
Kate
It’s definitely been very helpful for my son to stay on top of his own schedule and activities. Helps a ton!
Priyadarshini Rajendran
Awesome tips. I swear by snacks too. In fact they help with long journeys too,
Kate
Tasty snacks really do make such a huge difference!
lucicoo
I think snack are the most important. I have firsthand experience of grumpy kids when they are hungry and tired.
Kate
I totally agree, snacks are key!