Best Back to School Traditions For Families

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We are started up school again this week. (I am really not ready for summer to be over, but what can you do)? To ready ourselves for “the big day” there are a number of things we do in preparation and some traditions we keep at the beginning of each new school year.

Back to school shopping. Every year before school starts I take the girls (my two oldest who are in school) on a special girls day. We shop, eat, and just have fun. If I am to be honest, I am not a big shopper and prefer doing it online over anything else. But, we are really not doing it for the shopping. Rather the time together; which is worth the crowds and money spent. Now, we don’t go crazy because really my kids have more than enough clothes, but I do let them pick out a first day of school outfit and a couple of staples that they may need.

Most of the time we go after school starts for supplies, but this year we were given a list of things we needed beforehand so we did shop for those along with our clothes. I think when all 4 are in school I will take 2 trips, one with the older kids and one with the younger. Or maybe my husband and I will divide and conquer. We will figure that out in 2 more years I guess.

Prep!– You know how it goes… Hair cuts, finger nails cut and painted, new socks, underwear, glue, pencils, etc. We go to school looking tan and fresh. We don’t end school that way, but hey, this is back to school prep. By the end we are simply in survival mode. Hair thrown into a quick pony. Same socks from the day before because they are easy to find since they were never put away. Pencils are half-inch stubs and erasers are non-existent. That kind of survival. At the beginning of the year we also buy a bunch of groceries and things for school lunches, and for the kids to get their own breakfast ready while mom is trying to wake up. Later in the year it’s partially defrosted waffles in the car and money for a school lunch. But again, this is how we try to trick ourselves into being excited for the new year. //Side note: teaching my kids to cook has been a life saver and I will share some of my favorite kid friendly recipes soon!// I also buy cute note pads and write positive/sweet notes to the kids when I remember. And I do try to do that throughout the year. My kids love a good joke in their lunch so I try to write a few out. Most of mine come from places like this.

Back to School Dinner: Personally my favorite tradition. The night before school starts the kids pick out what they want to eat and we make/eat it at home. I try to make it special with candles and fancy cups. This year the evening kind of snuck up on me, and I dropped the ball a bit on decorations. But, we made it happen, got the kids the sushi they requested, and it was still a great and special night. More ideas here and here.

Theme: The night before school starts, during our traditional dinner we also discuss a theme we refer to often during the year. We think about the theme for a while before discussing and then present it to the kids. They are able to weigh in and change it if they want or give suggestions they’ve thought of. Every morning as we drop them off we remind them of the theme and try to focus on it daily. This year our theme is “Be kind to ALL”, actually chosen by the girls (my suggestion was vetoed).” I hope that restating it often will make it easier to remember and more importantly, do. (Past themes: 2018 theme- Be happy. 2017-To have a friend, you have to be a friend. 2016-Have Courage and Be Kind. 2015-Be a leader of choosing good).

Family Bond– We do a special prayer and family cheer. Hands in, “Whoooooooa A-TEAM! And hands up! We really want our kids to bond as a team that works together and lifts one another up in all things.

First and Last Photos: I know my kids probably don’t love this part of the day, but I make them take first day of school pictures. Then on the last day, you know the drill; last day pictures. I love being able to compare how much they grow and change in 9 short months. Actually, I hate how much they grow and change, but since it’s happening whether or not I like it, I do want it documented. There are so many cute ways to do this. For more photo ideas check this out.

After the bell activity: We walk the kids up to the gate, which NEVER happens during the year as we are usually running a bit behind and they basically have to jump out of a partially moving mini van (tuck and roll kids!). Then, at release I walk and pick them up at the gate… also a never during the year. We then go as a family to get frozen yogurt and talk about the day. It’s important to get them talking so removing screens and other distractions is essential to getting them to open up. We found sitting at a table together away from home is a good way to hear all about the day. (We also do frozen yogurt/ice cream on the last day of school to celebrate freedom along with other traditions. I will write more about those on the last day of school). But it doesn’t matter if you are out, or at home, or spend money or do a craft, I think having a special activity and set apart time to share is so important.

We do things pretty simply around here. Nothing takes a lot of time, or prep, but it’s about setting things up to look forward to and rely on. I really think developing family traditions is so important and special. It also makes transitions easier and new beginnings and summer endings something to look forward to. And I am all about fun and celebrating, so this just works well for us!

I would love to hear about your family traditions, or things you do to prepare for the first day of school. Please share!