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In defence of ‘lepak time’ after school
Let’s not make after-school care another space in the education arms race.
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Downtime allows the brain to consolidate learning, integrate emotions and make sense of recent experiences.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
June Yong
After school, what my children instinctively seek is rest and decompression. They like to “lepak” – lounge on the couch, grab a snack from the fridge, play a game or just zone out and do nothing. The transition from school to home is marked by a visible loosening of the shoulders and carefree attitude towards life.
I am fine with this. After six hours of structured schooling, children may need recovery time, connection and autonomy rather than more study.
