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Lessons and Classes and Clubs, Oh My!
Surviving the After-school Rush
By Heather Johnson Durocher
Conroy offers a few more tips to help you maximize your time – even when you're running around:
Remember what you learned in kindergarten: take turns. If two children have activities on Tuesday, let Mom drive one and Dad drive the other. The next week, switch. Let each parent create special rituals with the child, like stopping by the coffee shop for a cookie or taking an extra five minutes beyond practice to toss the ball together on the practice field. Children will look forward to taking turns with their parents and enjoying these special times.
When other children are involved, special rituals can be created for them. Know the parks and activities in the area. While waiting for one child to finish their activity, take the other sibling to a park, playground or walking trail.
You might also keep sports equipment in the car. Take along roller blades, baseball mitts and balls, Frisbees or a soccer ball. Be active with the waiting child. If activity isn't an option because of the weather, read a novel together that appeals to all ages, like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.