If you have 3 or more kids, how do you manage the after-school routine?

[OhWhatNoooow]

Thanks for reading ladies! So, I have 4 dc ages 8, 6, 4 and nearly 2. When the older 3 come home from school I find its just chaos. I can't seem to make for us a routine to stick to, with regards to homework, dinner and bedtime. Its made worse by afterschool activities etc. How do you do it? Do you have a good routine in place that you could tell me about? Any ideas? Bed times are crazy, how can i put 4 children to sleep by 8:30? (on a good day!) Help!

[madhattershouse]

I'm bad!! Only bath them twice a week..(the 3 youngest share) read with the older ones every couple of days. Homework is done after dinner and if it takes too long someone misses out on reading or bath! Told you I was bad . Mine are 10, 5,5 (twins) and almost 4 ( so one less lot of homework yet). I am dreading next year with oldest going into seniors...loads more homework and as he has dysgraphia this will mean a lot more work for me! I share your pain...just try not to panic..and if it comes to the worst either reduce after school activities or put bedtime for the oldest back half an hour to allow for the homework.