Development shouldn’t stop when the bell rings. There are so many ways we can teach our children at home that don’t involve sitting in front of a TV until it’s time for bed. When your child comes home from school, you both may be exhausted from a long day’s work, but there are things you can do that are less stressful yet great for their development.

1. Write a letter to a relative

Not only does this activity keep your child’s writing skills sharp, it’s a great way to feel closer to family members that may have moved away or are out of town. Writing letters help children and adults get a hold of their feelings and express themselves fluidly.

2. Draw on the sidewalk

If the weather permits, take your child’s artistic gifts outdoors. Creativity is a tool we should always sharpen. Try to incorporate schoolwork in this process too by doing our math homework on the pavement while you’re at it. This makes homework a lot more entertaining.

3. Write and illustrate a story

If your child likes to story tell, this may be a ton of fun. You can take it a step further by writing a script and storyboard then filming it on a cell phone.

4. Activity-based subscription boxes

If you need a little nap, subscription boxes like Surprise Ride are a great way to keep the children entertained. What’s really special about products like this is that they renew themselves. After one month there’s a new surprise so your child always has something to look forward to. This particular subscription box set is set by a different theme every month that your child can learn from. For example, one month they’ll learn all about birds and the next month they’re learning a thing or two about Egyptian history. You may want to join in on the action once you see how fun these boxes can be.

5. Break out the board games

Board games are an excellent way to bond as a family. Some board games have more academic value than others but the vast majority teach children sportsmanship, competition and the value of family time. These are very important life lessons. Keeping score is great for polishing basic math skills too.

6. Do something nice for someone else

Character and kindness are invaluable and doing something nice for someone else at a young age is a great way to build these attributes. There are countless volunteer opportunities available to children that you can take advantage of. You can even help a neighbor in need. This kind of character development last a lifetime.

Tell us what you and your children like to do after school?

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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