Afterschool/weekend chaos!!

[Bee2222]

Hi,

I think I am stuck in a bit of a rut.
I work 4 days a week but pick my 2 oldest up most days (9 and 3)
Youngest is with me one day a week (2)

We are limited as to what we can do as 9 has disabilities which mean they are fatigued and just need to slump on ipad for a bit after school.

The problem is the others 3 + 2 - both boys. They won't play anything, they won't watch anything they just run round like lunatics. Chucking toys around/at each other/play fighting/jumping on and off furniture. Until eventually someone gets hurt.
Individually they are OK, will sit watch tv have a cuddle/potter about nicely, but when together it's just chaos!!

I'm tired and overwhelmed by it all - coupled with the constant request to eat the moment they walk in the door. I've tried to make it easier by preparing snacks for them to choose from (penguins, a few sweets, etc.) But they have one of those then are nagging 5mins later.

It's really getting me down, the house looks like a tip by the end of the evening, at least one of them will have got hurt/had a tantrum and I hate the fact that all I seem to be doing is putting them on the step or shouting.
But I'm tired too, and I need to get on with tea.
What can I do to get out of this spiral?

Thanks all x

Is it possible to prepare the meal in advance so that you're with them after school rather than cooking? Ie batch cook at weekends or if you're wfh prepare the meal earlier in the day? Can you do something out of the house with them straight after school which is relaxed enough for the 9 year old but will eat some time? Ie library? Also can the snack be more filling like banana and toast -less likely to give a sugar rush too? If you prepare as much as possible in advance, then you can be with them and they're probably more likely to behave.

Thanks - a few good suggestions there. Especially the library x

Energetic boys need an outlet for that energy. Is there anyone else who eldest can sit with (if they are happy quietly watching something) while you take the boys swimming/to the park etc?

Agree with PP that the snacks won't be helping - I have a hyperactive boy and his post school snack is usually something like a malt loaf or banana. Never ever sweets.

Oh, a favourite snack here is homemade popcorn as they love watching it pop in the pan and then they guzzle loads of it.

I also get the dread after school.

Following for ideas!

I will switch their snack up to some toast I think. Honestly it's a constant job to keep kids fed isn't it!!!
Unfortunately there isn't anyone to sit with the eldest on weekdays but Santa should be bringing them a indoor climbing frame thing so I'm hoping I can divert them onto that and away from jumping on the sofa!!

Can you take them out straight from school (snack on the way), either library, swimming (9yr can sit on the side with ipad), playground (if 9 year old is in thermals, has a hot flask etc won't be too cold.

I suggest batch cooking. This is what I do on the 2 nursery days, when I'm just with my 7 month. One afternoon I cooked up fajita- after nursery just warm up and into Tortillas, 3 days later have the left overs with rice as Buritos. Cooked a beef stew, chop veg into one pot with beef & stock etc and forget about. Serve with couscous & crusty bed. And half into freezer for another week. Chilli, lasagna and pasta bake all work well in batch form too)

Snack- I'd go a cheese sandwich or toast. With a banana. Simple and more filling.