For many, aftercare is not a nice to have; it has become a must-have.

When one thinks of the prevalence of single parents or two-income households, it’s not always possible for a parent to fetch the children after school. So aftercare is necessary. However, there is a wide range of benefits for children attending aftercare.

“It can create a sense of belonging in young children and help them learn healthy social skills, which play a pivotal part in building their self-esteem, all while in a safe and nurturing environment, ” says Jonathan Hoffenberg, PACES programme manager at the Parent Centre.

Depending on the type of afterschool care – whether provided by the school or an outside-based after-school programme, parents can select benefits tailored to the child’s needs. “For example, sports activities are great for physical and social development. Arts and cultural activities foster creativity and self-expression. While more academic-based after-school programmes can be the building blocks to educational success, especially if specialising in an area where a child needs further guidance,” explains Hoffenberg.

Read more about developing children’s social skills.

More reasons to consider enrolling your child in aftercare

1. Aftercare is more informal than school and is a good place to have your child meet other children and families with different beliefs and ways of doing things. As children grow, it is important they realise that change and diversity are normal and that the reality or culture of one’s home may not be shared with others. Aftercare encourages multiculturism and critical and self-reflective thought – this all contributes to a well-balanced and free-thinking child.
2. Aftercare may be able to offer far more experiences and activities than the home, thereby giving your child a richer developmental experience.
3. Aftercare staff are often able to see your children in an objective light and can pick up on issues that may be missed at home. “Core muscle weakness, posture, learning issues and behavioural issues are often picked up in aftercare,” Hoffenberg says.  “And therapy intervention is more effective the earlier it starts.”
4. Primary school children have a limited energy level and are often too tired to do homework in the evenings. Good aftercare offers homework support and enables parents to play the role of parent in the evenings and not have to be tutoring and supervising.

Read more about when your child needs occupational therapy.

If you’re hesitating about aftercare, debating whether it’s right for your child, or you’re not sure how you or your child can manage the transition, consider these points:

• Parents may worry about the long separation with aftercare. Children are resilient and can deal with separation, even though it may be harder for some children because of their temperament, personality and the environment. However, how well they cope depends on the relationship and the quality of the time the parent and child spend together afterwards. “Parents should be mindful that when they meet for the first time in the evenings, the child’s dominant need is to connect. Making yourself available for this, may eliminate nagging and acting out,” advises Hoffenberg.
• Being away from home takes a child out of their comfort zone for an extended period, so when they get home, they may want to let go and release the pent-up emotions of the day. Parents can expect some grumpiness, crying and acting out. “Put something in place to help them deal with their emotions,” Hoffenberg says. “Acknowledging feelings by saying something like ‘It’s been a long day, I can see you are tired and missed us,’ could help them feel understood. Refrain from shouting, putting down or punishing.”
• Some children will take longer to adapt to aftercare and the changes a new experience brings – a new environment, new teacher, new classmates, new expectations, etc. “Be empathic and encouraging. Children can face challenging situations if they can count on our support,” says Hoffenberg.
• Ultimately self-esteem and confidence are linked to a healthy parent-child relationship. If you are uncertain what this entails, do a parenting course, read parenting books, or consult a parenting counsellor.