My oldest is now in first grade … so we have been working on creating some fun, family back-to-school ideas.
Going back to school can be an exciting time for kids, and yet, at times it can be nerve wracking.
My son had his moments of stress last year with kindergarten. He had days where he just broke down and didn’t want to leave me, and cried about going to school.
That always hurts a mamas heart.. and we had lots of talks about why school is fun and important.
As time went on, the tears were fewer and far between for my son.
I want all my kids to always know that school is a fun and exciting place. School isn’t just “hard work,” but it’s a place to meet new friends, learn new things, and enjoy life.
So here is a list of things we do at our house to get the kids excited for school!
1- Back to school shopping! Even if the kids don’t need much, we always get them a new outfit, and if their backpack is getting old and worn a new backpack. For first grade they will need a lunch bag too. Back to school shopping is a fun and exciting time to get the kids excited for a new school year!
2-Back to school dinner the night before school starts. Basically- we make a tasty meal that the kids love, include a yummy dessert and decorate the table a bit with fun back-to-school decor such as apples and maybe some whiteboard markers etc. The dinner doesn’t have to be extravagant .. just simple and fun to remind the kids that you care and that you too are excited for them to start back to school.
3- Back to school blessings. We are members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When I was growing up, my dad would always give us kids priesthood blessings the night before school started. These blessings were comforting and reassuring as a new school year was about to start. We do this with our kids now too, I notice my children feel so special when they get individual blessings from their father.
4- Back to School Door decorating. Many of these items can be found at the dollar store, it doesn’t have to be pricey. Mainly, decorate your kids door at night so they wake up to a door covered in pencils, treats, erasers, and such .. with a sign encouraging them to enjoy their new year of school.
5- Write a note on the mirror. This is simple but always fun for kids. Get a whiteboard marker and write a quick note to your kids on their bathroom mirror, motivating them to be excited for the new school year! This is a simple and easy way to remind your kids that you care.
6- Walk your kids to class the first day. Yes, this may apply to younger elementary kids more, but a new class and teacher can be intimidating… sometimes simply walking your child to their classroom door is the encouragement they need to be ready and excited for the new school year.
What other traditions would you suggest? I’d love to hear!
And hope the school year is great for everyone this year !
xoxo,
Christy Lee
