After School Boredom

It really does sound like she needs an after-school Program to keep her busy. The reality is that it is pretty tough for a 6-year old to entertain herself every day for hours by herself without much interaction from you. If you cannot flex your hours, it sounds like some sort of afterschool activity is the way to go.

I would sign her up for the after-school program in a hearbeat if it's affordable for you.

We are using our after-school program for my first grader, even though I do not work. The reason is exactly what you mention. He would be bored at home and have no one to play with. I'd much rather have him with friends at school. It's also hard to me to get out with the 3 other wee ones. So, it's win, win!

Why can't she go to the after school program? I was a SAHM but my kids were begging me to go because most of their friends were there, and it was FUN! I let them go two or three days a week, for an hour or two at a time. Is than an option for her?

Kids, even at this age, really have a hard time just being by themselves or being self-reliant.
Perhaps you need to get a Mommy's Helper for after school, at home.
Because, you need to work.

Despite ANY projects or things you may have for her to do, a child, will not just sit for hours and entertain themselves.
And she also has to do homework, I assume?
Kids this age, also typically need a parent, to "help" them or direct them, to do it. Or even just to clarify things, and also to check on it once its done. To make sure it is done, or to check the child's folder to see if there is any notes sent home for the parents etc.

I used to have the same problem. I worked part time in an office and then ran a side business the other part of the time. Since I could set my own hours on my side business, I just changed things up and worked that at night or on weekends. If you can't do that, I would consider the after school program at least a couple of days a week so she gets some play time with peers after school.

By the way, I don't think projects or activities are going to win this prize because she'll still be doing them alone. What she wants and craves is social interaction either with you or her peers.

I am in the exact same scenario, except that I have two kids so they have each other to interact with (this can be great and not so great as siblings love/hate each other minute by minute.) We did the after school program the first year, when it was just my daughter at school. It had the pros of keeping them busy and not in the house during work hours and the staff helped them with their homework, so we just had to review it that night. The cons were having to end work right on time so that I could go pick them up. The next year the kids did not want to go back to the after school program and have been coming home on the bus ever since. They are home at 3:15 and I work until 4:30 pm. I have a snack set up for them and a place for them to do whatever homework they have. After that, they know to go up to the playroom for the remainder of my work day. It is a struggle some days, but if I have to take some time to get them started on something....art, puzzles, board games, etc....I can add a few extra minutes onto my work day without worrying about having to log off and go pick them up from somewhere. They also know they get to have one hour of screen time during the school week, so they often use this time to play their DSI's. Good luck no matter what option you choose.

Practice reading,writing for at least 20 min daily in addition to homework,tidy up her room,play outside mom take a break for at least 15 min have a snack or drink and talk about her day before she begins homework or other activity make this time to bond I find it easier this way than to drag it our of them.

I like the idea of an afterschool program or mother's helper, but if that doesn't work for you, I would strongly suggest a routine for after school. A snack for sure, (take time to connect with her while she's eating), an hour of Quiet Playtime (very reasonable for this age) and then maybe a video or homework or whatever else you feel is important.

I do believe that kids do need some down-time after school, so I'd encourage her to play independently for sixty minutes. But then, be prepared to set something up for her to do. Or hire a mother's helper who has their own child and would come to you so the kids can play?

What did she do this summer while home and you were working?

I would suggest she come home have a snack, work on homework, then maybe a page or 2 out of a workbook (go to a teacher supply place and purchase one), then she can go outside and play, or watch a video, or read some books.. play a video game.

Are there any neighbor kids that she could play with?

I agree a mothers helper or it may be worth the price to send her to after school care.

I would let her go to the after school program. She sounds like she is suffering and needs to be entertained. I think if she is needing play time this much that she needs the interaction this program can provide her. Not for a break from you of course but for her benefit. I think they are super affordable too. It may be she only wants to stay for an hour or so too and not until closing time.

She needs you most of all to be with her and do things with her, but I see that you have to work. But this is what she really needs and wants. Children really don't need the social stuff half as much as society thinks they do, this comes much later. She's just use to all the other students and the activities and thinks it's the way it is since this is what she knows.(Besides, it's not the quanity of social activity, it's the quality that is imperative.) She needs to know how to be independent in her play. Imaginational play is paramount now and so let her make things up and play with dolls and such -- set the stage for her, so to speak. Give her the "right" environment and the rest will take care of itself.

I think I would tell her that she can help you make supper when it's time. This gives her something to look forward to and most kids love to cook with mom/dad, plus it's good for them. When this becomes old or not to work so well, time to change it up. Figure out something else you can do together, washing/folding clothes, playing cards, board games etc. Simple and useful things that children actually enjoy doing.

Also, I would get a basket and fill it with small toys and crayons and paper, clay, small dolls with fabric pieces, etc. Things that take a bit more imagination to play with. Keep it to just a few things and tell her the only time she plays with these things is while mama is working. Let her play along side you. When work is done, put it all up and away for the next time. Then change it up every few weeks. Also, if you know how to knit or know someone that does this is a good thing for her to learn at this age and she can knit while you work. Also she can sew with thick needle and thread with felt -- cut out simple shapes such as doll or animals to sew and fill, make bean bags with felt, she can make some to toss for you two to play with and make some for friends or relatives.

Keep things simple and charming and warm and let her know you're there for her as best as you can be and give her lots of hugs and kisses and reassurance. If you don't make a big deal of this she won't either. Let her know she is expected to work/play quietly and happily. Remember she's coming down after school from all the hoopla and hollering and hustle and bustle. She needs to regroup and breath.

Also there are all kinds of sites that have craft ideas for kids. A lot sound better than they really are but there are some good ideas out there. Keep it simple.

The best to you and your little girl.

Can you try giving her 15 mins of your undivided attention when she gets
home from school.

Then have an area set up for her to play like a station with a desk, construction paper, fuzzy balls, little eyes etc, styrofoam balls, pens for
her to create something.
Have cut out cardboard dresses for her to decorate.
If that doesn't work, try getting some one to help you for a few hours afters school while you work.

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The hard part is she was sitting and paying attention and working hard ALL DAY, so sitting at home or working some more on a project is too much for her!

I agree that the After School program might be good just for her to blow off some steam!

I'm not usually a fan of video games, but I have to say that the Wii and the Kinect are good ways to get the kids to burn off some energy without you having to stand there and tell them what to do. My daughter loves the Wii dance and I always suggest it to her on rainy days when she's getting in my hair and I need to get work done. I figure an hour of video games isn't going to hurt her much and she's getting some exercise!

Otherwise, can you work out a schedule with a neighbor? Perhaps your daughter goes over one day and that gives you time to get work done. Another day the neighbor kid comes over and you cut your work day short? Just a suggestion.

Good luck!