August and September mean one thing for parents around the country – it’s time for the kids to go back to school! For some families, it’s a relief after juggling a hectic summer schedule and having constant complaints of boredom. For others, it’s filled with new experiences as a child grows another year older. In the hustle and bustle of gathering school supplies and managing new details, the actual celebration of a new year can easily get lost if we aren’t careful.
Start the new year off right by creating an atmosphere of celebration around back to school.
Depending on the child, you’ll find a vast array of emotions. Some will be excited and ready to start strong. Other children may feel anxious about what the year holds. As parents, we can set an emotionally healthy tone for the year by taking the time to celebrate back to school.
Here are a few ideas to get the kids excited about the new school year:
- Conversation – Carve out some one-on-one time with each child to find out how they are feeling about the new school year. Discuss their feelings … what are they nervous and excited about? Make sure to talk about all of the exciting things to look forward to at school.
- Getaway – Plan one last family vacation day. If you can swing it, take a weekday off and head to the lake, a local water park, or something fun that’s close to home.
- Shop – Let the kids assist with the back to school shopping by allowing them to pick out specific items on their supply lists. You can even buy them a special new pair of shoes or outfit for the first day to get them excited!
- Memorialize – Create a new tradition by taking an annual photo outside the school on the first day holding a sign commemorating the date and grade level they will be commencing.
- Eat healthy – A nutritious breakfast is one of the best ways you can help your child succeed on a daily basis. Start the day with some of their favorites and end it with a celebratory dinner. Balloons or streamers make everything festive!
What fun things do you have planned to get your kids ready for back to school?
