You’ve reached a turning point. Your kids are too old for daycare or a babysitter, but you’re not completely comfortable with leaving them on their own after school until you get home from work. What can you do to make sure they’re staying safe while spending several hours a day alone?

One option is to look for after-school programs in your area. A good after-school program can make a tremendous difference in a young person’s life. According to research from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, children who don’t attend after-school programs are 49% more likely to have used drugs and 37% percent more likely to become teen parents. In addition, children are at a higher risk of becoming victims of violence when they don’t have any supervised place to spend time after school.

What to look for in an after-school program

These programs not only provide a safe, supervised environment for your kids, they also offer the opportunity to learn new skills, hone academic skills, and meet new friends. When looking for a program for your children, there are a number of issues to consider, including:

• Is this a safe, supervised environment? Visit each program you’re considering to make sure the place is clean, safe, and has an adequate number of adults to supervise the number of kids in the program. Ideally, the adults should be trained to work with kids of this age group and should have undergone a comprehensive background check.
• What is your child interested in? There are all kinds of different after-school programs, so it’s important to look for one that synchs up with your child’s interests.  One of the best ways to find a good fit is to talk with your child, offer several types of activities, and see which ones he or she is most interested in. It can also be helpful to take your child to visit the programs before making a decision.
• Where can you find after-school program options? Many schools offer after-school programs, so talk with your child’s teacher or principal to find out what options are available at your school or in your district. Other parents can be another good resource. Consider checking out programs offered by non-profit organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, 4-H, local community and recreation centers, your place of worship, and Police Athletic Leagues. Also look for programs at local libraries and museums.
• How much does the program cost? Before signing up for a program, find out the total cost, which may include uniforms, equipment, supplies, field trips and other costs above the general program fee.

With a little legwork, you can find an after-school program that will not only make your kids’ afternoons safer, it will also be a place they enjoy spending time.

Ask any parent. Raising kids is hard work. And it can be an even tougher job if you’re raising your kids without a partner. There are more than 20 million children in the U.S. growing up in homes headed by a single parent, according to the most recent U.S. Census. As a single parent, you probably find yourself pulled in many different directions—caring for your children, working to support your family, handling household chores like laundry and grocery shopping, helping with homework, making sure you have adequate childcare coverage.

Having all those responsibilities on your plate can create stress for both you and your children, and that can have a negative effect on your family’s physical and mental wellbeing over time. There are ways you can lower your stress levels. The key is to find the ones that work best for your family.

• Don’t go it alone. You don’t have to let being a single parent be a solitary pursuit. If you’re close to your parents or siblings or have some close friends, ask if they can help by picking up the kids from school or daycare or making a grocery run when you’re unexpectedly out of milk and bread. It’s also important to build friendships with other parents, singles and couples, who you can share tips with or just vent about a tough week. Other parents can also be a great resource for carpooling, swapping babysitting, and giving you the chance to get out and socialize.
• Take good care of yourself. It’s easy to get run down with all you have to do. That’s why it’s important to make sure you take care of yourself physically and mentally. Get your yearly doctor and dentist check-ups, eat healthy, and take whatever opportunities you have to get some exercise, whether it’s walking at lunch or going for a run while your kids are at soccer practice. By staying healthy and managing stress, you’ll find you have more energy and a more positive attitude. And try to do one thing you enjoy every day, whether it’s reading a book before bed or listening to your favorite music on the way to and from work. Simple things can make a big difference.
• Be prepared. It’s better than being surprised. You can cut your stress a great deal by thinking and planning ahead. Set your clothes and your kids’ clothes and school things out the night before. Make and freeze a few dinners on the weekend for hectic weeknights. Carry toys, a book, and snacks that can keep your kids busy and happy in your purse or backpack so they don’t get antsy when you have to wait in line. Keep an extra set of clothes for your kids in your car in case there’s a spill. By putting in a little extra effort upfront, you can make your days run more smoothly.

More than anything, you’ll lower your family’s stress level by making a little time every day just to relax together and enjoy each other’s company, whether you’re reading a story, talking about what you did today, or taking a walk together.