Family Traditions : How to Score an A+ in Back-to-School
Ah, the first day of school! It’s a day packed with excitement, a few jitters, and the thrill of a new adventure. As parents, we want to capture every grin, every wave, and even those grumpy faces when they're not exactly thrilled about waking up at the crack of dawn again (same, kid, same). Creating back-to-school traditions can turn this day full of big feelings into something truly memorable, setting a positive tone for the entire school year.
Here are some fun and easy traditions you can start with your kids this year - they’ll be sure to give your efforts an A+!
Back-to-School Prep: Setting the Stage
Before the big day, dive into some back-to-school stories that help your child navigate the rollercoaster of emotions they’re probably feeling. From excitement to nervousness, these narratives can be comforting and inspiring! And chances are, if your child has a favorite series, there’s likely a back-to-school episode or book tied to it. A few of our all-time-favorite books include “Time for School Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle, “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst, and “First Day Critter Jitters” by Jory John. And if you happen to be fellow Bluey fans, check out this article on romper.com that lists 10 great episodes about school!
First Day Interview: Capturing Their Journey
Start a tradition of interviewing your child on the first day of school each year. Ask them about their favorite things, what they’re most looking forward to, any goals they have, and what they dream of becoming when they grow up. Whether you jot their answers down in a special notebook or record a video, this tradition is a simple (and entertaining!) way to watch how their thoughts and dreams evolve over time.
Special Breakfast: Fueling the Day with Love
Kick off the school year with a special breakfast that sets the tone for the day! Whether it’s pancakes with smiley faces, a special treat like donuts, or a fun breakfast buffet, this is a great way to start the day with excitement. Let your kids help plan the menu or even decorate the table the night before. Consider adding a “You’ve Got This!” note or a little back-to-school gift at their seat to boost their confidence. Another memorable tradition? The classic “You Are Special Today” plate to let them know how proud you are!
First/Last Day Photo Shoot: Capturing the Moment
Choosing the perfect first-day-of-school outfit is a big deal! Make it a tradition to have a mini photo shoot before they head out the door. Let them pose with their backpack, lunchbox, or a sign showing their grade. These photos will capture their style and personality each year, and when you capture the same shot on the last day of school, will show how much they’ve grown!
Photo Ideas:
Take a full-length shot of your child holding a letterboard with their name, grade, and the year. Bonus points if you pose them next to something that will show their growth over the years (like a front door or fence).
Capture them on video as they walk out the front door on their first day, and back in on the last. If you do this every year, you’ll have the most adorable video montage for their high school graduation!
Snap a picture in front of their school sign on both the first and last day to show their school pride, and just how much they’ve grown!
Surprise Lunch Notes: A Midday Pick-Me-Up
Slip a sweet or funny note into your child’s lunchbox on the first day to give them a little boost. It could be a simple "You’ve got this!" written on a napkins, or a joke card to make them smile. This small gesture can mean the world to a child who might be feeling a bit anxious. You could even turn this into a weekly or monthly tradition to keep the encouragement coming!
Bonus: Add a special treat or their favorite snack to make lunch even more exciting and special.
After School Tradition: Sweet Celebrations
End the first day on a high note with a special after-school treat. Whether it’s a trip to their favorite ice cream spot, baking cookies together, or hosting a mini celebration with siblings or friends, it’s a great way to hear all about their day. This tradition can make the transition from summer to school a little sweeter and something they’ll look forward to year after year.
Bonus for Parents: Self-Care on Day One!
Feeling a mix of emotions as you send your little one off to school? You’re not alone! The first day of school can be just as emotional for parents. If you’re able to, consider starting a “boo-hoo brunch” tradition with your partner or fellow parents. It’s a chance to share a few tears, breathe a sigh of relief, and congratulate yourselves on getting to the next school year! If that’s not possible, be sure to treat yourself with something special—whether it’s your favorite coffee, a delicious breakfast, or a relaxing lunch break. You’ve got this!
Starting school is a big deal, and these traditions can make it even more special. They remind our kids that school is not just about learning, but also about growing, making memories, and having fun along the way. Whether it’s their first day of kindergarten or the start of their final year, these traditions can turn the experience into something they’ll look back on with a smile for years to come.
Here’s to an amazing school year ahead!
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