Our kids will be going to school for a long time. And as their number one cheerleader and biggest motivators, it is up to us to make going to school fun in any way that we can!
A great way to make going back to school fun is to start participating in back-to-school traditions. These back-to-school traditions will be fun and will motivate you (the parent) and your kids to complete the back-to-school checklist that needed to get done anyways.
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Here are a few back-to-school traditions to start this year that will get the kids pumped and excited for the new school year. These back-to-school traditions will also capture moments that will create memories for your kids that will last a lifetime. And eventually, your kids may even carry these same traditions to their own families.
23 Back-to-School Traditions to Start This Year
1) Visit the pediatrician’s office:
Get your child’s yearly physical done before the start of the school year and get the forms you need for the school. It’s easier to get the physical done in the summer so that you won’t have to take the kids out of school when school is in session.
2) Take one last summer trip:
Finish the summer strong with a trip. The trip doesn’t have to be international or even domestic, it could be a final trip to the beach or the nearby lake.
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3) Have a back-to-school party:
What better way to get your kids excited about the beginning of the new school year than to host a back-to-school party surrounding them with people they love most? This party will fill your child’s emotional cup knowing that they have a lot of support from close family and friends and people who are rooting for their success. Don’t forget to involve gifts. Have the guests which will most likely be family and members and friends bring a small back gift to shower the kids for the beginning of the school year. Start the year off right and on a positive note.
4) Host a back-to-school breakfast:
Have a breakfast buffet ready. And wake up the kids early enough so that they have more than enough time to enjoy a big morning breakfast with the whole family without having to rush out the door. Do this on the first day of school. This small gesture will set up your child to have an overall great first day of school.
5) Celebrate with a special dinner:
The weekend before the start of the new school year, have everyone all dressed up and head to a local restaurant for a special dinner.
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6) Coordinate your calendar with the school’s calendar:
Add all school events to your family calendar so you can plan and make arrangements ahead and to help you stay on top of things.
7) Start limiting screen time:
Screen time can be a distraction for kids’ learning during the school year. Start limiting screen time at least a month before the new school year starts to avoid problematic behaviors.
8) Get back to reading:
If your child hasn’t been keeping up with reading this summer, ease them back into daily reading for at least 20 minutes.
9) Resume school time routine:
You probably gave your kids more of a leeway this summer, going to bed later and walking up later. But now it’s time to resume your school time routine by making sure your kids go to bed at an appropriate time to get up on time for school.
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10) Start testing early bedtime and early wake-up routine:
You’ll notice that your kids’ bedtime regimen dictates how successful starting the day is. A week before the start of school, test setting the alarm and practice going to bed early and waking up early so your child can get used to it. Buy a new alarm clock if you need to.
11) Start organizing your home:
Donate the summer clothes that probably will longer fit by next summer and start pulling out your kid’s fall and winter attires. And organize your home so that everything is where it should be.
12) Visit the school:
Even if your child attended the same school last year, make it a yearly tradition to visit the school at least a couple weeks before school starts as a way to pump up your kid for school.
13) Go school shopping:
Get all the school supplies, clothes or uniforms, shoes, backpack, water bottle, lunchbox and lunch bag for your child. And don’t forget to buy labels as you’re going to label everything when your kid goes back to school.
14) Plan and put morning routine into action:
Mom, and dad, and each child ( if you’re a mom of multiple) are all going to have their own unique morning routine, plan and test out your new morning routine to make sure everyone gets along and out of the house on time. Use my morning and nighttime routine checklist for a smoother morning.
15) Get Haircuts:
The week before school starts, get haircuts so everyone looks fresh and brand new for at least the first week of school!
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16) Establish and discuss mode of transportation:
Will you be dropping your child off at school? If so, you’re all set. But if your kid will be riding the school bus or walking to school, find out where the bus stop is and walk there 2-3 times the week before school so your kid is familiar with the bus route and routine. And if your child is walking to school, walk together using the same route to make sure everything is okay and that your child is comfortable walking to school alone.
17) Review rules and expectations:
This is a new school year so expectations are different, go over the new rules and expectations with your child regarding when you expect homework to get done, walking to school, talking the school bus to make sure you understand each other. Also, create an after school checklist for easier time and transition.
18) Pick out a first day of school outfit:
To make the day seem extra special.
19) Meal plan:
Get my meal planner and meal plan for at least the first month of school to make packing lunches easier, especially as you ease into this new school year routine.
20) Set up a homework station:
It is very important to set up a comfortable designated homework area. An area free of distractions for your kids to complete their homework.
21) Set up a storage area for hanging backpacks:
Provide a space that encourages the kids to stay organized by hanging their backpacks, jackets, scarves, etc.
22) Record memories:
If you aren’t doing so already, find a system that will help you store memories from the school years like this album!
23) Pack a bag for the car:
And don’t forget to pack a bag for your car with additional clothes and other items your kids might need. And sweaters, don’t forget to leave a sweater in the car for each child.
What are some of your back-to-school traditions are you looking to start or continue?
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These are great! Last year we started having a back to school swim party for my kids (triplets in 5th grade) and their classmates the weekend before school starts! It’s been a blast.
I love these tips!
I LIKE the idea of the back pack party that is a really neat idea to throw a party and have people bring school supplies stuff to exchange.
Great ideas!