15 quiet activities to help kids relax after school

After a busy day at school, children often need a break from homework and evening routines. According to a Université de Montréal study, 68% of children experience stress after school. Offering calm activities at home not only helps calm their minds, but also strengthens family ties. Here are 15 tried-and-tested ideas for transforming the end of the day into a fun, zen moment. Ready to discover tips that will make coming home a real pleasure for young and old alike?

Coloring isn't just for toddlers! It promotes concentration and reduces anxiety, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. Set up a table with crayons and mandalas. For variety, try magic coloring or themed coloring books. It's a simple activity that allows everyone to express themselves without pressure, while regaining calm after school.

Learning a foreign language stimulates the brain and relaxes the mind. With Mondly, children explore new words through interactive games and playful stories. Ten minutes is all it takes to turn routine into a gentle linguistic adventure. It's also a great way to prepare for a future family trip, or to discover other cultures from the comfort of your living room.

There's nothing like a cozy reading corner to relax in. Set up a few cushions, a blanket and a selection of age-appropriate books. According to Statistics Canada, daily reading improves sleep quality and reduces stress in 72% of children. Let them choose their own story, or suggest reading aloud to share a moment of complicity.

Assembling a puzzle helps channel energy and develop patience. Choose age-appropriate models: animals, landscapes or favorite characters. Puzzles encourage concentration and the satisfaction of achieving a concrete result. They're also perfect for keeping a small group of friends busy after school, without noise or fuss.

Yoga, even in its mini version, helps to release the tensions accumulated at school. Videos or illustrated cards guide children through simple, playful postures. According to Yoga Canada, 80% of children who practice yoga experience an improvement in their mood. Just a few minutes are all it takes to restore calm and a good mood before dinner.

Board games don't always mean unbridled competition! Choose cooperative or reflective games, such as memory or dominoes. These games encourage listening, patience and relaxation. As a family, they're a great way to discuss the day's activities while sharing a convivial moment, far from the hustle and bustle of the screens.

Looking for a little linguistic variety? Babbel offers short, interactive lessons, ideal for curious children. Learning is done gently, through games and adapted dialogues. It's an original way to stimulate memory and curiosity, while offering a calm and enriching moment after school.

Playing with modeling clay relaxes little hands and unleashes creativity. Suggest simple themes: animals, fruit or geometric shapes. This sensory activity helps relieve pressure and encourages fine motor skills. According to a Laval University study, manual activities reduce restlessness in 60% of children after school.

Create a playlist of calm music or nature sounds. Listening to music helps slow the heart rate and soothe the mind. According to the Canadian Association for Music Therapy, soft music reduces stress in 75% of children. Sit down together for a moment of listening, or let them dance gently to release tension.

A warm bath, a few floating toys and subdued lighting transform the bathroom into a miniature spa. Water helps relax muscles and calm the mind. Add a few drops of essential oil (lavender, chamomile) for an even more soothing ambience. It's also an opportunity for a quiet chat about the day, away from distractions.

Free drawing lets children express their emotions without constraint. Provide them with blank paper, crayons and markers, and let them imagine whatever they want. According to a study by the Université de Sherbrooke, drawing helps reduce anxiety in 58% of children. It's a simple, accessible activity that's always appreciated after a busy day.

Planting seeds or watering houseplants soothes and empowers children. Contact with nature, even in an apartment, encourages relaxation and patience. According to the Observatoire québécois du loisir, gardening improves concentration and reduces stress in young people. It's also a great opportunity to learn how to care for living things.

Scratch-off mandalas offer a unique sensory experience. Children reveal hidden colors by gently scratching the black surface. This quiet activity encourages concentration and the satisfaction of seeing a colorful pattern appear. Perfect for a quiet moment of transition between school and dinner.

Guided meditation, even for younger children, helps to release tension and refocus. Use age-appropriate apps or videos. According to Mindful Schools, 60% of children who practice meditation experience an improvement in mood and concentration. It only takes a few minutes to create a Zen atmosphere at home.

Keeping a gratitude notebook encourages children to identify the small pleasures of everyday life. Every evening, ask them to write down or draw three positive things they've experienced during the day. This habit, validated by psychologists, promotes optimism and reduces stress. It's a gentle ritual to end the day on a positive, calming note.