Find out how Mumsnet users wind down with their kids after school

[AbbiCMumsnet]

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It’s September, and for most families that can mean only one thing – back to school. And with that comes the daily duty of whisking everyone out the door on time, helping them out with homework, and guiding your kids through playground politics. To say term time is jam-packed is an understatement – that’s why we’re so keen to hear how your wind down with your kids after the day’s hurly burly.

Here’s what IKEA have to say:
“We all know that every child is different. The same applies here: where one might like to sit and colour, another might want to play football in the garden. The secret is to make things easy for them, keeping all their favourite things organised and easy to find. That way they can happily while away the hours with minimal fuss.
Speaking of reading, a great way to nurture it is to give your child a dedicated space just for them and their books. Keep theirs on the lowest shelf, give them a comfy chair to settle into and they’ll be away.
Arts and crafts are a great way to relax too, and brilliant way to nurture your child’s creative side. Encourage their inner Picasso by keeping all of their supplies in easy to find containers right by their desk. Don’t forget to keep your carpet from turning into a masterpiece though – a plastic floor protector is a lifesaver here.”

So, what are your tips for winding down after school? Do you have certain activities you can bank on to keep things calm? Maybe there’s a toy or game you’ve got, ready to play with when they get home? Or maybe it’s a spot of drawing that does the trick?

Whatever you do, we’d love to know. Share your tips for how you relax and wind down with your children after school on the thread below and be in with a chance of winning a £300 IKEA voucher.

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ
Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[TractorTartofThigh]

We are waiting patiently for our SHARKS. We can only wait so long before we start to get upset.

[ThighThighOfthigh]

Why don't I ever get anything?

[TractorTartofThigh]

Thrustine. Me and my mates really want our SHARKs! We were going to have a party with them tonight but since they haven't arrived we aren't able to do that which is really disappointing for us.

Also some of us are having a really shit time so we need them.

We would be prepared to accept an offer of providing our great leader with a prize as compensation for the delay. She has given up on you getting her the KIA now (you should feel bad about that) so perhaps just the island. Please.

[SirProjectofThigh]

Alsioma how DARE you? Dangly has never done that with a shark!

[ThighThighOfthigh]

@JustineBMumsnet we've only just figured out you're not Justine Roberts. Therefore you should become a Thigh, leave all this nonsense behind you.

Bring the keys to the prizes cupboard as an offering. We'd like insulated travel mugs please.

[TractorTartofThigh]

Thank you IKEA and ThrustineB

I can't describe how happy I am to have my SHARK and surprise child SHARK!! Also Thank You for the blue bag.

My life is complete

Sorry for calling you all names and burning the shop down.

[DanglyTasselsOfThigh]

Thorry Thighkea! We appreciate you! Thanks for the Thisters Sharx!! [heart emoticon]

[ThighThighOfthigh]

Ththank you and thorry. Is there anything left in the prize cupboard? ThrustineB run away, come and be with us, you'll never look back.

[BooseysMom]

Just re-visiting this thread to find out who won. Can see it was potofdreams4..but can we see the winning post please?
Thanks x

[wombel]

This was such a funny thread