No matter how old your little one is, it is never too late to embrace first day of school traditions. No matter how big or how small they will seem, there are all sorts of things you can do that will trigger positive memories of that special first day.
Start With a Great Breakfast
Many families start the first day of school with a nutritious and delicious breakfast. This can be omelets with all the fixin’s, Mickey Mouse Pancakes, avocado toast, or a nutritious smoothie. As the year rolls on and schedules get busy, many families don’t have the time to sit down together each morning. Make that first day special by waking up a little early and getting the kids off to a great start.
Pro tip: If you’re tight on time, do this for dinner instead. Everyone loves having breakfast for dinner!
Back to School Photos
Just like clockwork, when that first day rolls around, social media becomes flooded with the first day of school pictures. While we love each and every one of them, you can also get a little creative with your photos, making them more original. Some use a letter board, others use a chalkboard, with pre-printed questions to ask each year. You can also personalize a tee-shirt, taking their photo in it each year from Kindergarten through high school.
Read a Special Story the Night Before
Reading a story at night is a special experience that you should hold onto for as long as you can. You can choose to get a special book each year that corresponds to their grade, or you can choose a meaningful book that you read each year. Popular titles include The King of Kindergarten, If You Take a Mouse to School, and The Places You’ll Go.
Go All-Out for Lunch
While packing a healthy lunch will help keep kids alert and ready to learn, making it fun will help ensure they are fed. We love bento boxes and cookie cutters to maximize presentation and make lunch exciting. There are all sorts of combinations and ideas for packing your child’s lunch – just be sure to not forget a note!
Give Back
One tradition we can always get behind is one that teaches kids to give back. If you have the means to do so, consider donating school supplies, backpacks, and even new clothing to those in need. Even the smallest contribution can help someone while inspiring your kids to help others when they can. Each year, you could have your kids choose one item to donate to an organization in your area.
A Toast to You
Another tradition we love is one that is for the parents. After a fun and action-packed summer – that first day back to school is your chance to breathe. We’ve heard of parents dropping their kids off at school, then heading out to brunch, just the two of them. Or you could make a plan to go home, and watch an entire movie in complete peace. You work hard all year and do so much for your kids – it’s ok to celebrate yourself on their first day back too!
What are some of your favorite back-to-school traditions? We want to hear all about them! Share your ideas with us on Facebook!
