Tips for Managing Active School-Agers.

1. Always have a plan for the day, but be flexible, allowing for changes depending on interest.
2. Have various activities planned that children can take turns doing, in order to minimize wait time.
3. Get the children’s input of what they want to do, and what they have to do (like HW)
4. Set limits and boundaries. Be consistent, predictable, prompt. Keeping it plain and simple eliminates arguments.
5. Give the child a space to cool off, re-group or let out steam.
6. Give smaller specific tasks instead of large tasks.
7. Always encourage physical activities.
8. Prepare for free time giving children appropriate choices.
9. Establish a routine that the children can count on.
10. Look for and appreciate each child’s individuality.

Resource:
Half A Childhood:Quality Programs for Out-of-School Hours by Bender, Flatter &Sorentino, 2005.

***p. 238 Half-a Childhood
Neither babies nor baby sitters.