Good Morning, friends! I really can’t believe that we’re a week(ish) away from officially being back to school! I feel that I say this every summer but I always mean it, it went so fast. One day it’s July 4th and you feel like you have a ton of time to get all the sun summer activities done and the next it’s the end of August and the urgency to get everything ready for the first day hits. This is our first year that it all seems very real to us and it has had me thinking about what traditions I want to start with my kids for back to school. The cool thing about traditions is they can be extremely simple and sometimes I think the simpler the more fun and nostalgic when you look back. I put together a list of 10 back to school traditions!
- Summer Scrapbook
I don’t think you need to be an expert scrapbooker here to pull this off. You can print out photos or keep ticket stubs and collect them for the scrapbook. Write down listen of things you did, people you spent time with and note the highs and lows of the summer.
2. Traditional Meals
I know of families with older kids who are very good at this. You can do the same traditional dinner the night before, breakfast the morning of or dinner the night of. The meal can be your families favorite so everyone is happy (and you know they’ll eat it!) Or you can pick a meal a little more grand and more fun than a typical option, something you only have on that day to make the tradition that much more special.
3. Record an Interview
Theres a viral video going around of a girl who’s Dad recorded her in an interview format every first day of school since Kindergarten. He asked her the same questions each morning on that first day, mostly asking her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Watching her grow up as they put the clips together made me tear up, it was so sweet. This would be an amazing tradition to start and I think I’ll attempt this with my oldest this year! Questions could be, favorite things at the moment or what they’re looking forward to.
4. Give your child something special to keep with them during the day.
This may be less of a tradition and more of a fun first day thing to do with younger kids. Matching bracelets for Mom and child, to remind them you’re thinking of them during the day!
5. Back To School Signs
Probably one of the most common traditions now. There are so many different kinds of signs to have your child hold on the first day. Yesterday I put together a DIY reel of how I made my first day flags this year.
6. Parents First Day Breakfast
This could be a nice tradition for the parents. Organizing a breakfast or brunch for the Moms or Dads who are available on the first day after drop off. This is a great time to meet and get to know the other parents.
7. Goals for the year
Always a great way to start a journey, goals! Have your child set some personal goals that you can revisit in June.
8. Homework Box
I saw a video of one of these being set up and I can’t stop thinking about it. It is very simple but a clear tote box with all supplies your chid would need for homework. The key would be making sure the box is only used for homework supplies to make sure it stays nice and neat!
9. Teacher Welcome Gift
Some families have a tradition of giving their child’s teacher a small gift on the first day. Flowers, a card, special local snack, or special supplies.
10. Backpack Fairy
The backpack fairy can put a little note, gift or a small surprise in their backpacks the night before the first day. It might be helpful for kids who need a little help getting excited about the first day!
I hope everyone has an incredible year! See you tomorrow for another blog post!
