aftercare is my kid’s social time. Kids who don’t do aftercare have au pairs or a non-working parent who supervises outdoor play, takes kids to the park, and plans play dates. If I am working, I need my kids indoors where I know what they are up to, which means screens or else I am answering 1000 questions, being asked to “come look at this” or breaking up sibling fights. When my kids are home instead of extended day, it’s the worst for them because they miss out on unstructured time with friends.

100% aftercare. They'll help with homework and get the kids some exercise. Far healthier and better mentally for your child.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Only you know your child best. My kid is in pre k and comes home after school. He gets himself a snack out of the pantry and gets his ipad and plays Roblox. He does not bother me for another hour. He is not bored and I actually enjoy that he can decompress after a full day of sitting at a desk and working. He needs his down time. If you think your child will be bored or you wont be able to get anything done, then do aftercare. I personally, would not waste my money.

Your preschooler sits at a desk all day "working"?? What kind of school is this? Sounds awful and inappropriate for his age.

Pretty sure the PP is just speculating at what their preschooler does at school.

Consider what the aftercare program does, too. In ours they apparently just hang out in the cafeteria, while the kids whose parents pick up play on the playground, until at least 5 PM. I've been able to shift my work schedule early so I can pick up and let my first grader play outside most days.

I would do the aftercare since you are picking up your other child there anyway. The only reasons I would choose the home option would be if aftercare just doesn't work for my budget or if I had an introverted kid who needed quiet time after school.

^^also, OP, say your DD is there 1.5 hours/day, on average. Over 20 school days of the month, that's 30 hours of care, at a rate of $20/hour. That doesn't include all the days off, half days, etc., that I referenced.

It may not be worth it to you, but our aftercare provider is well worth $20/an hour, for all the fantastic things they do for our kids.